By Matt Scott
April 10 – UNICEF seems satisfied with Barcelona’s child-welfare practices despite the 12-month transfer ban the four-times European Cup winners received last week.
INSIDEworldfootball approached UNICEF for comment after Barcelona received the two-transfer-window trading ban FIFA issued last week for its transfer of six youth players from overseas.
The international children’s charity receives $2 million a year from its association with Barcelona, which runs to 2016, and was the first organisation ever to be carried on the famous blaugrana shirt.
“FC Barcelona has made clear its commitment to working with UNICEF to address issues affecting the well-being of children associated with the club,” it said in a statement.
“UNICEF’s priorities, in this regard, are to ensure that the rights of the child are being upheld, as a child first, and then as an athlete.
“Discussions are ongoing between UNICEF and FC Barcelona and we trust that FC Barcelona will earnestly address the best interests of the children associated with the club.”
When asked if these discussions meant the sponsorship relationship was under review, UNICEF refused to expand. What is clear is that UNICEF will not involve itself in operational child-welfare issues for football.
“We acknowledge that the protection of children in sport is an industry wide challenge,” it added. “Addressing the wider contextual issues related to children in relation to sports requires actions by all stakeholders, including governments, sports associations, sports clubs and associated entities.”
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