Ceferin and EU chief Sassoli take joint vow to tackle racism and build European solidarity

December 3 – UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin (pictured) and European Parliament President David Sassoli met by videoconference on Wednesday with an agenda focussed on working together to tackle racism and promote inclusion, and safeguard solidarity in European football. 

“From promoting values in education of young people, to promoting equality and diversity and fighting all forms of discrimination, UEFA and the European Parliament have a longstanding shared vision of European football as a force for good,” said Čeferin afterwards.

“The European Parliament is committed to the fight against racism and will work closely with UEFA on projects to tackle prejudice and boost inclusion,” added Sassoli.

With UEFA’s executive committee meeting today, the pair also discussed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on European football which has seen a swathe of games postponed, not least Euro 2020.

“This has been one of the most difficult years for football in Europe,” Sassoli said. “Players have seen their leagues cancelled or postponed and fans have been unable to attend matches in person.”

“As normality slowly returns, we need to protect the European model of sport, one based on solidarity, the involvement of fans and the strengthening of communities who share a love of football and the values of sport.

“This contributes to a common European feeling. UEFA has an essential role to play in protecting the integrity of the game and ensuring it benefits Europe as a whole.”

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