FIFA to come down heavily on racism

Berlin, June 9 (UNI) In a move to stamp out racism from football fields, FIFA has decided to air anti-racism videos at all World Cup stadiums in Germany.

FIFA will also dedicate all quarter-finals on June 30 and July 1 to a special activity on the pitch to give participating teams the chance to raise their voices against this blight on society in a message to be aired around the globe, a FIFA media release said today.

At each of the 64 games, a banner covering the entire centre circle will be displayed from the stadium's opening until the end of the official pre-match protocol, bearing the tournament slogan ''A time to make friends'' combined with the anti-racism message ''Say no to racism''.

''Recent unfortunate incidents of racism have emphasised the need for concrete action to unequivocally tackle these shameful displays of racism in football. The World Cup, with more than 30 billion accumulated spectators worldwide, is the ideal platform to send a clear rejection of any form of discrimination and to contribute to preventing racist incidents during the tournament,'' the release added.

FIFA president Joseph S Blatter said, '' FIFA places great importance on respecting ethnic backgrounds. As the most popular sport, football has the biggest chance in the battle against racism, making it clear to the general public that skin colour has no impact whatsoever on our everyday routine, our lives, and our sport.'' Meanwhile, Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE) network, FIFA and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) have joined forces in an initiative called ''Football Unites'' to ontribute to a positive atmosphere during the World Cup, aimed at people of all origins, religions, nationalities and skin colour.

In association with LOC and German Fan Project Co-ordination Centre (KOS), stewards and volunteers have been trained in how to identify and handle racism, right-wing extremism and discrimination.

FARE will also produce and distribute an anti-racism literature, in English and German, containing statements by players as well as information on racism in football.

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