Unite Against Racism Conference in Warsaw Innovative Card System For
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UEFAdirect-84•E 16.3.2009 9:11 Page 1 4.09 Including Unite Against Racism conference in Warsaw 03 Innovative card system for the UEFA Champions League final 07 UEFA president outlines his vision for football 08 No 58 – Février 2007 84 April 2009 UEFAdirect-84•E 16.3.2009 9:11 Page 2 Message Photos: UEFA-pjwoods.ch of the president Extra pairs of eyes Everyone agrees on the need to help referees. With football getting ever faster and the players ever fitter, it sometimes seems the men in black face a mission impossible. For some players it has become almost second nature to use hands and arms to pull their opponent’s shirt, push them or hold them back, to the point where the culprits seem genuinely surprised when they are penalised and simulation has become an everyday part of the game. But while there is consensus on the need to assist the referees, opinions differ on how: for many video evidence is the solution, as it is considered perfectly suited to our modern world and used successfully in other sports. For others – and it is no secret that I am one of them – video refereeing would only spoil football, as it means the game would have to be stopped, however briefly (or not), to review the scene, ideally in slow-motion and if necessary comparing the footage with that of another camera because, as everyone knows, a different angle can invite a different interpretation. Of course, the human eye is not foolproof either. But thanks to the radio system in place, additional pairs of eyes on the penalty area can be of valuable IN THIS ISSUE assistance to the main referee. Not only can they change the behaviour of players, Unite Against Racism who, knowing there are extra eyes on them, are less likely to use underhand tactics, conference in Warsaw 03 but more importantly – as the first trials with five referees have indicated – they strengthen the referee team in number, confidence and affinity. The International An innovative idea FA Board, which welcomed the positive results of last year’s tests, has now given us for the UEFA Champions the go-ahead to extend the trials to the professional game. League final in Rome 07 The best teams are often the ones which demonstrate the greatest The UEFA president cohesion, with players who complement one another and have a rapport. By addresses strengthening the position of the main referee, by allowing the assistant referees the European Parliament 08 to concentrate more on offsides and by offering an opportunity, for example, to referees who have reached the normal retirement age to continue their careers UEFA Futsal Cup in a new position and, in doing so, contribute the wealth of their experience final round heads to help the main referee, we would be creating the ideal conditions for the referee to Ekaterinburg 12 team to also be one of the best. News from member associations 15 COVER Michel Platini Bayern Munich (Zé Roberto, UEFA President in white) caused a stir in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 by chalking up 12 goals in their two matches against Sporting Portugal. Photo: Hassenstein/Bongarts/Getty Images 02 uefadirect 4.09 UEFAdirect-84•E 16.3.2009 9:11 Page 3 A two-day conference in Poland UniteUnite AgainstAgainst RacismRacism UEFA-pjwoods.ch IT’S INTERESTING TO WONDER HOW MANY OF THE 280 PARTICIPANTS ciation, reiterated “the global commit- ASKED THEMSELVES THE SAME SORT OF QUESTIONS AS THEY TRAVELLED ment to no tolerance of intolerance” and referred to the Polish programme aimed TO WARSAW FOR UEFA’S THIRD UNITE AGAINST RACISM CONFERENCE, at achieving a football “free from racism HELD FROM 3 TO 4 MARCH. WOULD IT BE A FURROWED-BROW EVENT WHERE and hate”. Adam Giersz, secretary of A SMILE MIGHT SEEM OUT OF PLACE? AND, AS A CONFERENCE IS, state in Poland’s ministry of sport, elabo- rated on plans currently being put in BY DEFINITION, DISCUSSION-BASED, WOULD ANY TANGIBLE RESULTS EMERGE? place. It is generally acknowledged that racist attitudes cannot be eliminated Answers were quickly provided the face of the conference. The need for overnight but most anti-racism projects – and positive ones at that. Admittedly, a balance between negative and positive are medium-term. the opening afternoon featured a visit to was highlighted by various speakers, the Jewish Historical Institute where among them Emine Bozkurt, a member Wide participation it was difficult to raise a smile. “It’s a of the European Parliament, who talked The event was organised by reminder,” reflected William Gaillard, of the importance of counterbalancing UEFA, the professional players’ union adviser to the UEFA president, Michel severe penalties with positive measures FIFPro and the Football Against Racism Platini, as he opened the conference, such as anti-racist clauses in players’ con- in Europe network FARE, who were rep- “that meetings such as this one are, tracts and incentives for good behaviour. resented on stage by William Gaillard, unfortunately, still very useful.” But, from The Polish national association Theo van Seggelen and Piara Powar that moment until the final curtain the hosted the event with efficiency, warmth respectively. The weave was further emphasis was on looking forward rather and enthusiasm. Former star striker enriched by 70 envoys from NGOs, than back, and a smile was reinstated on Grzegorz Lato, who now heads the asso- leagues, clubs and political spheres to 03 UEFAdirect-84•E 16.3.2009 9:11 Page 4 Piara Powar, Visit to representing the Jewish the FARE Historical network. Institute. create a magnificent opportunity for general secretary, David Taylor, who The platform for doing so diverse flows of information and experi- signalled the magical atmosphere at was provided by five workshops during ence to be pooled. EURO 2008 and the success of the which fundamental topics were For example, representatives from Respect programme as symptoms of addressed and debated. How can foot- organisations which are not football- progress. “But we maintain the mes- ball best be used in the fight against oriented were unaware of measures sage of zero tolerance for racism in our discrimination? What do we need to already put in place by UEFA. One of the football stadiums,” he added. “UEFA understand about fans if we are to proposals to emerge from the workshop President Michel Platini wrote to all strengthen them as a positive force sessions was that income from disciplinary match delegates at the beginning of against racism? How can minorities – sanctions be re-invested in anti-racism proj- this season urging them to recognise such as the Roma and Sinti ethnic ects – and, of course, UEFA has, for many the gravity of any racist incidents and groups – best be integrated into foot- years, been dedicating these monies to so- make sure that they are properly ball and into society? How can football cial responsibility programmes. reported. At UEFA we try to be vigilant break down barriers between commu- But, asked whether the broad spec- and on our guard, and we’re ready to nities? How can institutional discrimi- trum of the participants could be counter- take action where incidents occur. nation be addressed? Where is the productive, Piara Powar had no doubts. But sanctions are not the long-term dividing line between healthy national “Not so. In Warsaw, people were eager to answer. That lies in better education, identification and xenophobia or sec- share what they were doing – and there awareness and cultural change. tarianism? was a competitive edge which should defi- This requires time and effort and nitely not be discouraged. Let’s face it, the our social partnerships with FARE Lilian Thuram’s convictions ‘real’ work in this area happens at national and FIFPro are very important The reactions to these and or regional level, so we have to make sure to make changes occur. We need many other crucial questions were pre- there’s dialogue between the NGOs and the their expert advice and national sented during a session on the final national associations – which is where UEFA networks to help us spread the mes- afternoon when among the listeners is performing very well.” sage. We need the active involvement was Lilian Thuram. The 142-time of players and former players to French international and spearhead Symptoms of progress make the whole campaign credible of the anti-racism foundation which UEFA’s role in the battle against and this conference is an opportu- bears his name flew into Warsaw for racism and campaigns aimed at increasing nity to challenge conventional issues barely a few hours to take a place respect for diversity was reviewed by the and thinking.” on the podium, to deliver strong mes- sages about the way racism should be tackled and to answer questions from a riveted audience. He opened by expressing con- cern about the possibility of the current financial crisis promoting a resurgence of racist attitudes. But his core con- cerns go far beyond the vagaries of stock markets. “To combat racism, we must understand it,” he commented. “We have to look at history, dismantle prejudices and then reconstruct. If you watch kids playing football, you’ll immediately see that they enjoy the game without any thoughts of religion or colour. We have to be careful not to make the mistake of talking only about racism in football because Lilian Thuram delivered a strong message. I firmly believe that there is less racism 04 uefadirect 4.09 UEFAdirect-84•E 16.3.2009 9:11 Page 5 Theo van One of the Seggelen, workshops. the FIFPro general secretary.