Soccer racism: MEP stresses importance of teamwork
Labour MEP Richard Corbett today welcomed Rio Ferdinand's call for further action in stamping out racism in football, but rejected his suggestion that UEFA is not taking the issue seriously.
Richard, who sits on the Independent Review of European Football set up by European governments and UEFA, said:
"Of course there is still a tremendous amount of work to be done, but to say that we are only 'paying lip service' is simply not true.
"The Madrid match to which Rio referred was under FIFA, not UEFA, responsibility. UEFA recently took vigorous action - banning former European champions Steaua Bucharest from their own ground after racist incidents in their stadium.
"UEFA and the European Parliament have been working very closely in recent weeks on plans for further action against racism. These could involve tough new sanctions which could see clubs who fail to deal with racism facing expulsion from competitions.
"Racism isn't something inherent in football; it is brought into the game by the mindless minority in the stands. This is why it is so important that parliamentarians, football officials and players continue to work so closely."
Rio Ferdinand's comments were reported across the media on 15 March 2006.
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