Aigner urges FARE support

UEFA Chief Executive Gerhard Aigner has called for widespread support across Europe for the current week of action organised by the European anti-racist organisation Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE).

Various activities
FARE's European Week of Action Against Racism and Discrimination in Football is continuing until 28 October, and features activities involving national football associations, professional clubs, fan groups, community and migrant organisations, and schools.

Complete support
"We are happy to express our complete support for the FARE action week, and to call upon everybody across Europe to join the campaign," said Mr Aigner. "UEFA wants to ensure we are doing everything in our power to tackle the problems associated with racism. Therefore, UEFA has reinforced its stand against racism in terms of its rulebook, and formed an active partnership with the FARE network."

Action plan
Last week, UEFA and FARE joined forces to issue a ten-point action plan to the European football family, listing measures that could be taken to punish racist conduct on and off the pitch. As one of UEFA's charity partners, FARE is also receiving significant financial assistance from European football’s governing body.

Small contribution
During the extended action week, FARE will offer community and migrant groups, as well as football fans, a small contribution to produce anti-racist leaflets, fanzines, banners or fan choreographies.

Thuram support
Meanwhile, French international defender Lilian Thuram has also urged people to speak out against racism in football. "Keeping silent is the worst attitude to take," he said. "The fight against racism is also a fight against silence."