Declaration of the European Parliament on tackling racism in football
The European Parliament
,
– having regard to Rule 116 of its Rules of Procedure,
A. recognising the serious incidents of racism that have occurred in football matches across Europe,
B. whereas one of the objectives pursued by the European Union under Article 13 of the EC Treaty is protection against discrimination based on ethnic origin and nationality,
C. whereas football players, like other workers, have the right to a racism-free working environment, as set down in the case-law of the Court of Justice of the European Communities,
D. whereas football's popularity offers a new opportunity to tackle racism,
1. Strongly condemns all forms of racism at football matches, both on and off the field;
2. Commends the excellent work that organisations such as UEFA and FARE (Football Against Racism in Europe) have done in tackling these problems;
3. Calls on all those with a high profile in football to speak out regularly against racism;
4. Calls on national football associations, leagues, clubs, players" unions and supporters" groups to apply UEFA best practice, such as the UEFA Ten-Point Plan of Action;
5. Calls on UEFA and all other competition organisers in Europe to ensure that referees have the option, according to clear and strict guidelines, of stopping or abandoning matches in the event of serious racist abuse;
6. Calls on UEFA and all other competition organisers in Europe to consider the option of imposing sporting sanctions on national football associations and clubs whose supporters or players commit serious racist offences, including the option of removing persistent offenders from their competitions;
7. Instructs its President to forward this declaration, together with the names of the signatories, to the Council, the Commission, the governments of the Member States and UEFA.
Declaration of the European Parliament on tackling racism in football