Organisations receive money to tackle racism in soccer (Dutch)
by Linde D´Haeseleer, a second-year journalism student at Hogeschool West-Vlaanderen in Kortrijk, Belgium 8/12/2005
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European soccer clubs have been very busy since January 2005 trying to rid football of racism. It was Thierry Henri and Arsenal who started the initiative.
Five million anti-racism armbands have already been sold and the profit is managed by the King Baudouin Foundation in Belgium. The foundation has been looking for people and other organisations who have ideas to fight racism since October 28.
The King Baudouin Foundation is looking for people and organisations in Belgium and The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg to fight racism in soccer.
Proposals
Since October 28 organisations have been able to put their proposals to the foundation, and the files can be handed in until December 30, when the selection procedure starts. The selected organisations will receive a sum of 2,000 to 10,000 euros to realise their objectives.
The foundation has cleared a sum of 300,000 euros for Belgium and Luxembourg. In six other European countries there are similar foundations and organisations that want to beat racism in soccer.
Racism in soccer exists in Belgium. According to the Belgian Football League it is mostly fanatical supporters who make monkey noises or sing songs against Jews and Muslims. According to research the supporters of Germinal Beerschot are the worst.
Therefore Belgium agrees with UEFA’s ten-point plan of action in order to drive racism out of soccer. Secretary of State for Domestic Affairs Patrick Dewael wants to take action.
Most effective
The most effective measure would be to make the clubs play without fans in order to punish them. The referees could also do a lot. They could stop the game when they hear any outbursts of racism.
The battle against racism grew more intense in January 2005 with the initiative of the French professional player Thierry Henri and his English club Arsenal.
His campaign – Stand up, speak up – is supported by Ronaldinho, Ruud Van Nistelrooy and other players in Europe. Five million black & white interlocking wristbands, costing two euros or £1.50, have been sold since February 2005.
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