Ann de Mol, co-ordinator of the Stand Up Speak Up campaign against racism in football, says that there's is a need for action at European level on the issue, but that, as such the issue falls out of EU competence.
She thinks that the Commission should listen to existing institutions and NGOs and evaluate the current situation in member states and, accordingly, facilitate meetings and the exchange of best practice on the use of sports as tool for social integration and fighting racism. "We should also not forget the new member states, and the different kinds of racism there, such as racism the Roma people face," she added.
"Fighting racism is intrinsic to sport but the national associations are not always aware of their strengths to do something proactively. They need models, good practice examples showing how they can act. UEFA and FIFA campaigns against racism have recently been launched and, in general, when UEFA says something it is a strong message for the national football associations and they will listen to it."
"However, UEFA and FIFA, in addition to launching campaigns, need also to show how to do things in practice at local level. This is what we are trying to do as well - organise national and European level exchange of best practice," explains Ann de Mol.
To read the full interview with Ann de Mol, click here.
