By David Gold
October 19 – The Football People Action Weeks is currently underway, featuring activities for fans, community groups, players, clubs and local authorities to help unite the football community against discrimination and celebrate diversity.
The activities are taking place across 40 countries, and are run by members of the FARE Network, also featuring exhibitions, panel discussions, fan choreographies, football tournaments and a flash mob.
A range of country specific events included a “Poland For All” event run by the Never Again Association and the Polish Foreign Ministry.
Bucharest has seen a flash mob taking place, and anti-homophobic abuse messages have been seen in England, Croatia, Macedonia, France and Germany, whilst Spain has had an inclusion and education conference.
Champions League and Europa League games this week are themed as part of the Action Weeks initiative and activities are taking place at all matches.
UEFA President Michel Platini has given his support to the campaign, saying: “I am proud to be part of the ‘Football People’ campaign which highlights UEFA’ s commitment to tackling discrimination in football in partnership with the FARE network for over 10 years.
“We have worked side by side the FARE network on what is a central pillar in European football and will continue to strive towards a respect for diversity in the game.”
FARE network executive director Piara Power added: “In a year in which we have again seen incidents of racist and homophobic abuse in football in many countries the action weeks carry the message that we must step up to tackle discrimination and exclusion.
“The Football People theme celebrates the contribution we all make to football, wherever we live, whatever our connection to the game or our background.”
Former Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter Milan forward Samuel Eto’o, who signed for Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala this season, threw his support behind the campaign, saying: “It is something that has affected me personally.
“I think players, leaders, and the media have to join forces so that no one feels looked down upon because of discrimination.
“We are all humans, everyone’s blood is the same colour.”
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