News in 2006

25th September 2006

Eusebio returns to Africa to launch anti-racism conference

Football legend Eusebio returned to Africa at the weekend to launch FIFPro's campaign in advance of World Cup 2010 in South Africa.

It has been reported that Borussia striker Kahe and Aachen’s Moses Sichone were both the target of defamatory remarks from the sell-out crowd at the Tivoli stadium.

FIFPro (Fédération Internationale des Footballeurs Professionels) the World professional footballers' football union, organised the conference to announce its plan to tackle racism by utilising the impact of its members, including 57,500 professional footballers around the World.

Mozambique born Eusebio who graced world football during his career at Benfica and his adopted country of Portugal, opened the conference in Cape Town.

FIFPro Ambassador
Football Legend and FIFPro Ambassador Eusebio comments: "FIFPro's initiative here in South Africa is to be commended. Professional players are respected around the world they are listened to. With this fame and influence comes responsibility. I am delighted that the World's top players are coming together in this way to tell the people of the World that racism must never be tolerated."

Local Organising Committee support
Tokyo Sexwale, who served alongside Nelson Mandela on Robben Island and a member of the Local Organising Committee of the World Cup 2010, prison said: "The world has many inequalities but to judge and think badly of a person because of the colour of his skin is one of the most vile, ignorant and reprehensible forms of discrimination. We applaud FIFPro and all its 57,500 members around the world in taking a stand, NO TO RACISM and any forms of discrimination."

Opportunity for positive influence
The Head of FIFPro's Committee Against Racism Tony Higgins, remarked: "As hosts of World Cup 2010 the focus is very much going to be on Africa over the next few years. Regrettably racism is still an issue that needs to be addressed in Africa as it is in most other countries around the world. The players in Africa have an excellent opportunity to positively influence future generations by projecting a message that racism has no place in African society."

FARE backing
Piara Powar, Director of UK FARE (Football Against Racism in Europe) partner Kick It Out said: "FARE is dedicated to eliminating the evil of racism in football across Europe. European football is home to a great number of highly talented African footballers who, as football icons, have the ability to influence the attitudes of fans and their fellow players. FARE are delighted to work together with FIFPro and other organisations that seek to challenge racism across the world."