Discrimination has no place in football

Sport is one of the few human pursuits that crosses all boundaries, said High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al-Hussein. It can create hope, influence governments and people, even break down racial barriers, he said.

“At its best, sport is inclusive, generous-hearted and fundamentally multicultural. Yet discrimination is all too common, in and off the sports field. More and more actors involved in high-level sports have realised that their responsibility is not limited to the pitch, the field and the track. International and regional federations, clubs, youth leagues and associations are working to eradicate racism and discrimination.”

Zeid made his statement via video link during a stakeholder meeting on preventing and combatting racism and discrimination in football. The meeting -- which took place in Moscow, Russia -- is the first of its kind and was organized by the UN Human Rights Office, the Russian Football Union and the Russian Ministry of Sport.

The best way to combat discrimination is if more countries and sporting organizations work together, said Vitaly Mutko, Minister of Sport of the Russian Federation. 

“You cannot solve this issue through the efforts of one country only,” he said in his opening remarks at the conference. “We constantly deal with this issue. We are ready to share the accumulated experience and international best practice is very important for us. Our common goal is to elaborate measures to strengthen the fight against manifestations of discrimination in sport and in society”

A number of international and national sporting, and fan organizations took part in the one-day meeting. Participants included, among others, the French and Irish Football Associations, Football Supporters of Europe, Fair Play and FIFA.

The meeting was part of the preparations leading up the 2018 World Cup being held in Russia. Participants agreed that they would continue to work on keeping discrimination out of football and would continue to meet regularly to share best practices and raise awareness.

15 June 2015