News in 2006

27th September 2006

FIFPro anti-racism conference in South Africa

Under the shadow of Table Mountain and the blue South African sky FIFPro held an anti-racism conference to coincide with the launch of the Homeless World Cup which kicked off in Cape Town, South Africa, on 23 September 2006.

The seminar was attended by 150 delegates from the 48 countries who are participating in the Homeless World Cup.

The highlight of the conference was the speech of the South African freedom fighter, Tokyo Sexwale, who is also a member of the FIFA 2010 Local organising committee.

Portuguese legend Eusebio attended as the FIFPro anti-racism ambassador and was given a standing ovation by the delegates.

President of the FIFPro anti-racism committee, Tony Higgins, outlined to the delegates and the worlds press FIFPro's work in ensuring professional players from all over the world continue to lead the way in delivering the anti-racism message.

"Racism and homelessness are strongly linked as they are both results of discrimination and that is why FIFPro decided to hold our conference in Cape Town to coincide with the Homeless World Cup." said Higgins. He also announced that the South Africa players union, SAFPU, has been chosen to develop FIFPro's anti-racism project for 2007.

A question and answer session followed various presentations from invited guests including Lord Provist of Edinburgh, Lesley Hinds, Chris Fortuin, SAFPU, Piara Power, FARE, Fran Gavin, FIFPro and Tokyo Sexwale.

Also in attendance was William Gaillard from UEFA.

Source: FIFPro