ASUNCION, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) — The South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL), based in the Paraguayan city of Luque, announced on Thursday that it will join FIFA to eradicate racist acts in football, as part of its anti-discrimination campaign called “Enough Racism.”
In this sense, the governing body of South American football will implement the universal gesture of arms crossed in the shape of a cross to denounce racist behaviour, within the tournaments it organises, both at club and national team level.
This innovative procedure was unanimously approved at the 74th FIFA Congress, held in Bangkok, Thailand, on 17 May 2024, and will be implemented in all FIFA competitions, starting with the Women’s World Cup Colombia 2024, currently underway.
The racist incident gesture will be part of the three-tier procedure, which all Member Associations have agreed to adhere to and which they will apply in their respective footballing landscapes, ensuring that it is used equally across the world.
The official report from Conmebol states that this procedure will allow footballers, referees and members of the technical staff to adopt a firm stance against racism, and will be implemented in all tournaments organized by Conmebol from 2024.
It works by crossing the hands at the wrist, where players can directly indicate to the main referee that they are being subjected to racist abuse. The referee will then activate a three-level procedure provided for such incidents.
At the first level, the match will be interrupted and if the incidents continue, the match will be temporarily suspended and both the players and the refereeing team will leave the field of play.
If the incident does not cease during the temporary suspension, the match will be permanently suspended.
CONMEBOL and FIFA Unite Against Racism in Football: The “Enough Racism” Campaign
Table of Contents
In a landmark decision, the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) announced a significant step towards eradicating racism in football. The announcement was made on September 5, 2024, in the Paraguayan city of Luque. Joining forces with FIFA, CONMEBOL is launching the anti-discrimination initiative known as “Enough Racism,” aimed at fostering a more inclusive and respectful environment in the world of sports.
The Mission: A Unified Stand Against Racism
The “Enough Racism” campaign underscores a collective commitment to combat racist behavior in football, both at club and national team levels. As part of this initiative, CONMEBOL will implement a universal gesture: crossing arms in the shape of a cross as a sign of solidarity against racism. This gesture is designed to visually communicate the rejection of discriminatory acts, making it clear that racism has no place in football.
This initiative was unanimously approved at the 74th FIFA Congress held in Bangkok, Thailand, on May 17, 2024. The decision signifies a global resolve to address and mitigate racial discrimination in every corner of the footballing community.
Implementation Across FIFA Competitions
Starting with the Women’s World Cup Colombia 2024, the new gesture will be incorporated into all FIFA competitions. By employing this visible sign of protest, FIFA and CONMEBOL aim to create an environment that promotes respect, inclusion, and tolerance among players, officials, and fans.
The three-tier procedure agreed upon by all Member Associations will ensure that this gesture is uniformly applied across various footballing landscapes. This means that players, referees, and officials worldwide will have a collaborative framework to combat racism and show solidarity against discrimination.
Why This Initiative Matters
Football is often described as the beautiful game—uniting people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. However, the sport still grapples with instances of racism and discrimination, which tarnish its reputation and diminish the spirit of unity that sports are meant to embody.
By establishing the “Enough Racism” campaign, CONMEBOL and FIFA are taking crucial steps to address these challenges head-on. The overarching goal of this campaign is not only to respond to racism when it occurs but to prevent it by fostering a culture of respect and inclusivity.
The Bigger Picture: A Call for Global Action
While this campaign represents a significant advancement in the fight against racism in South American football, it also serves as a beacon for global action in the sport. The importance of unity among federations, clubs, players, and fans cannot be overstated. Racism is not confined by borders; it is a global issue. Hence, international cooperation and commitment are vital for meaningful change.
By encouraging participation and engagement at every level of the game—from grassroots to professional leagues—this initiative aims to raise awareness, educate fans, and remind everyone that discrimination in any form is unacceptable.
Conclusion: Together for a Better Future in Football
The announcement of the “Enough Racism” campaign by CONMEBOL and FIFA is not just a policy change; it is a declaration of intent—a promise to players and fans everywhere that football must be a safe and welcoming space for all. As the world eagerly anticipates the implementation of this initiative in the upcoming Women’s World Cup Colombia 2024, it is clear that the fight against racism is far from over.
Every gesture counts; every action matters. Together, football can lead the way in promoting equality, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the game in an atmosphere free from discrimination and hate.
By rallying behind such initiatives, we can all contribute to a footballing world that respects diversity and embraces every individual, regardless of their background. Let us all stand together—arms crossed against racism.
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