By David Gold
May 15 – FIFA President Sepp Blatter and his UEFA counterpart Michel Platini have opened a “House of Football” in Serbia, consisting of six fields, a hotel, several gyms and training grounds.
It is a welcome boost for Serbia, which has an increasing problem with violence among its hardcore fans.
Last year a Toulouse fan died after being attacked by Partizan Belgrade supporters, whilst Serbian hooligans caused a European Championship qualifier with Italy to be abandoned last autumn.
Platini said: “The future of Serbian football is here and football has a social mission, especially in times of crisis.
“We are aware of the Government’s efforts to root out this problem.
“We have thought of action plan together and we are carefully following its execution.”
Serbian authorities have amended the country’s criminal law in an attempt to clamp down on the problem, and Blatter said that the centre should be open for everyone as FIFA and UEFA hope that it will help to combat the rising pattern of violence.
Contact the writer of this story at zib.l1734781917labto1734781917ofdlr1734781917owedi1734781917sni@d1734781917log.d1734781917ivad1734781917
Related stories
March 2011: Platini warns Serbia and Croatia “zero tolerance” on hooliganism
February 2011: Platini threatens Serbia with ban over its hooligans