What the players at the World Cup say
The captains of the teams of the world cup signed up to FIFA's anti-racism campaign at the world cup. As part of the campaign each has made a statement.
Edwin van der Sar, Netherlands "It should be self-evident for all of us that racism is inadmissible. Our multicultural (sport) world leaves no room for anyone to distance themselves from their fellow citizens just because they have a different skin colour, religion or background. On the basis of equality and respect we can work to create a better world, one that has a place for everyone. As top-class sportsmen who are in the spotlight every day, we are obliged to set a good example. Both on the pitch and off it."
Fabio Cannavaro, Italy "We must remain vigilant against racism and every form of intolerance or racially motivated discrimination. This battle must be fought resolutely and consistently every single day. We should not restrict ourselves to appeals or words, but rather lay down a clear marker through our own conduct."
This applies in particular to footballers. We know we have a large responsibility, especially with regard to the very young, who from a cultural point of view are particularly impressionable and forever in search of role models whom they can aspire to emulate. We must therefore avoid any form of discriminatory behaviour, not only on the pitch, but also and especially in our daily lives, so that everyone comes to understand that there can be no differences on account of race, skin colour or religion.
Civilisation and education must engage in a great struggle that is inspired by the principles of solidarity, fraternity, civilised co-existence and respect. Precisely these principles are the foundations of sport. They are the real and true values that we footballers wish to defend in order to avoid differences with the aim of transforming our society into a multi-ethnic community in every area of social co-existence."
David Beckham, England "Racism and other forms of discrimination have no place in football, and I'm proud that England is tackling this issue. Football should bring people together and the World Cup is the perfect example of how it can unite nations from around the globe."
Niko Kovaè, Croatia "Football has always been the game that brings people together and spreads the friendship regardless of the nationality, religion, shirt colour or skin colour…
We, football players, always must be in the front rows when it comes to fight against discrimination of any kind, fight against racism and have to be the first ones to give hand to each and every individual different from us.
Football is a game for all those who love sports, excitement, true sports challenges and therefore we have to be an example of how to respect an opponent, teammate, supporter....
We represent role models to many young people and therefore let us show them how this exciting and noble game is the opportunity to change the conscience about differences; let us show them that all of us - at the football pitch and in every day life are - in fact equal."
Johann Vogel, Switzerland "Racism, in whatever guise, is a deplorable feature of everyday life and of sport. We footballers, being in the spotlight as we are, have a responsibility to counter such phenomena. We are all fighting racism together."
Mark Viduka, Australia "On behalf of the Australian team we'd like to join with the other countries at the FIFA World Cup in pledging our support to help fight racism and discrimination.
There is no place for racism in football or in society and the players of Australia urge all of the Australian fans and the supporters from all over the World to join together to bring harmony and peace. On behalf of the team I'd like to wish all of the fans a safe, enjoyable and racism free FIFA World Cup."
Tsuneyasu Miyamoto, Japan "It is simply one of the great things of football that all people living in the world can experience the real pleasure together. When various feelings, joy and surprise run high in stadiums and before television, we see no racism there but many faces full of well-being. I love those moments at which the whole earth unites through football."
Korea "Racism in football is the last thing that football needs. It is an offense to the basic human dignity and goes right against the fair play spirit of football. We should do everything possible to remove this scourge out of our beautiful game."
Jacek Bak, Poland "As someone who for almost all his career played outside his country I am fully aware that success in football is independent from your nationality, colour of the skin or religion. The only things which count are: hard work and a bit of talent. That's why racism kills our sport and that's why we should kick it out of the stadiums."
Sami Al Jaber, Saudi Arabia "Racism means hatred and football means love, fraternity and unity. All mankind are humans who should and must unite against this hostile attitude. We are always united to uproot this stuff from our beautiful game."
Savo Miloševiæ, Serbia & Montenegro "As the captain of the National Team of Serbia and Montenegro, I give my vote and personal integrity in the fight against racism, xenophobia and other inhuman behaviours of the modern time. Making racist differences among people without knowing them, and only according to the colour of their skin, is not a characteristic of wise and honest people. I think that we have to find a way to prevail in this case, to call upon morality and oral education of players and supporters as well. I truly believe that a day will come when we will not have to talk about this issue anymore."
Olof Mellberg, Sweden "Few things unite people worldwide as the game of football. It is truly the global game today, easy to take on, to practice and enjoy together. The spirit of the game is the contrary to discrimination. We should all, whether we´re on the pitch or in the stands, take a stand and reject every act of racism."
Andriy Shevchenko, Ukraine "For me there are no racial differences whatsoever. As a player on the football pitch I only see partners, fellow like-minded individuals, professionals, irrespective of the colour of their skin and regardless of their faith / religion. Therefore, as Ukraine's captain, I reject racism and say "no" to whatever display of discrimination and violence.
I do believe in football's consolidating and creative power - why, the fans who join the football community with all their hearts and lofty well-meaning intentions are much superior in numbers, compared to those who dare to mar this fete of millions.
That is why I call upon everybody to unite - and not only because of love to the Game, of respect for footballing idols, and of common interest in sport, but also in terms of striving to make football purer and the atmosphere at stadia more tolerant. Together, and only together must we curb the ingress of racism into our stadia and into our souls so as to enable all stakeholders to really enjoy the game.
I am confident that through concerted efforts we will be able to eradicate racism!
Let's join hands for the sake of football!"
Claudio Reyna, USA "As the hearts and minds of billions of people are focused on the 2006 FIFA World Cup this summer in Germany, it is important to remember that football is a force that unites us, and should not divide us. The beauty of our game is its diversity, where people from all races, backgrounds and status can come together on the pitch and in the grounds to demonstrate their talent, passion and commitment to the game we all love. Racism simply has no place in football, and we are firmly committed to taking whatever steps are necessary to eradicate it from our sport. This is a time to celebrate the beauty and magic of football - let¹s do it together."
Zinedine Zidane, France "There is no place for racism in society - and especially in football.
It is impossible to love this sport, to play it or to support a team and be racist or xenophobic at the same time.
The values conveyed by football are the exact opposite of racism. Because racism promotes exclusion and hate. Football, in contrast, brings people together to share a common pleasure.
The FIFA World Cup is a magical event, a festival for players and fans alike. Every four years we experience a unique time in which people congegrate together, take part together and celebrate together. Racists are not invited."
Michael Ballack, Germany "Football has no room for racism of any kind. Especially at the World Cup. We footballers always want to win, but we always treat our opponents with respect and fairness. No matter what the colour of their skin or their religious convictions.
I hope the fans who travel to Germany from all over the world for the 2006 FIFA World Cup will act in exactly the same way and, in spite of all the footballing rivalry, will join together for one giant party both inside and outside the stadium. True to the World Cup motto: "A time to make friends."
Mexico "Football is a game among equals.
Football is the game of equality. The Mexican national team hope this will become a reality in Germany in 2006 and that everyone will trust in the spirit of the game, regardless of race.
The World Cup is an opportunity to affirm the equality of all people. During the tournament the Mexican national team wish to convey a timeless message to the world:
We play to prove that people are stronger when everyone has an equal chance. We play to allow a festival to be held, and a just game. And we play to infect the world with our message. Here, we are all equal, and we play for the world."
"Freedom of movement outside the war zones is generally unhindered."
Edwin van der Sar, Netherlands "It should be self-evident for all of us that racism is inadmissible. Our multicultural (sport) world leaves no room for anyone to distance themselves from their fellow citizens just because they have a different skin colour, religion or background. On the basis of equality and respect we can work to create a better world, one that has a place for everyone. As top-class sportsmen who are in the spotlight every day, we are obliged to set a good example. Both on the pitch and off it."
Fabio Cannavaro, Italy "We must remain vigilant against racism and every form of intolerance or racially motivated discrimination. This battle must be fought resolutely and consistently every single day. We should not restrict ourselves to appeals or words, but rather lay down a clear marker through our own conduct."
This applies in particular to footballers. We know we have a large responsibility, especially with regard to the very young, who from a cultural point of view are particularly impressionable and forever in search of role models whom they can aspire to emulate. We must therefore avoid any form of discriminatory behaviour, not only on the pitch, but also and especially in our daily lives, so that everyone comes to understand that there can be no differences on account of race, skin colour or religion.
Civilisation and education must engage in a great struggle that is inspired by the principles of solidarity, fraternity, civilised co-existence and respect. Precisely these principles are the foundations of sport. They are the real and true values that we footballers wish to defend in order to avoid differences with the aim of transforming our society into a multi-ethnic community in every area of social co-existence."
David Beckham, England "Racism and other forms of discrimination have no place in football, and I'm proud that England is tackling this issue. Football should bring people together and the World Cup is the perfect example of how it can unite nations from around the globe."
Niko Kovaè, Croatia "Football has always been the game that brings people together and spreads the friendship regardless of the nationality, religion, shirt colour or skin colour…
We, football players, always must be in the front rows when it comes to fight against discrimination of any kind, fight against racism and have to be the first ones to give hand to each and every individual different from us.
Football is a game for all those who love sports, excitement, true sports challenges and therefore we have to be an example of how to respect an opponent, teammate, supporter....
We represent role models to many young people and therefore let us show them how this exciting and noble game is the opportunity to change the conscience about differences; let us show them that all of us - at the football pitch and in every day life are - in fact equal."
Johann Vogel, Switzerland "Racism, in whatever guise, is a deplorable feature of everyday life and of sport. We footballers, being in the spotlight as we are, have a responsibility to counter such phenomena. We are all fighting racism together."
Mark Viduka, Australia "On behalf of the Australian team we'd like to join with the other countries at the FIFA World Cup in pledging our support to help fight racism and discrimination.
There is no place for racism in football or in society and the players of Australia urge all of the Australian fans and the supporters from all over the World to join together to bring harmony and peace. On behalf of the team I'd like to wish all of the fans a safe, enjoyable and racism free FIFA World Cup."
Tsuneyasu Miyamoto, Japan "It is simply one of the great things of football that all people living in the world can experience the real pleasure together. When various feelings, joy and surprise run high in stadiums and before television, we see no racism there but many faces full of well-being. I love those moments at which the whole earth unites through football."
Korea "Racism in football is the last thing that football needs. It is an offense to the basic human dignity and goes right against the fair play spirit of football. We should do everything possible to remove this scourge out of our beautiful game."
Jacek Bak, Poland "As someone who for almost all his career played outside his country I am fully aware that success in football is independent from your nationality, colour of the skin or religion. The only things which count are: hard work and a bit of talent. That's why racism kills our sport and that's why we should kick it out of the stadiums."
Sami Al Jaber, Saudi Arabia "Racism means hatred and football means love, fraternity and unity. All mankind are humans who should and must unite against this hostile attitude. We are always united to uproot this stuff from our beautiful game."
Savo Miloševiæ, Serbia & Montenegro "As the captain of the National Team of Serbia and Montenegro, I give my vote and personal integrity in the fight against racism, xenophobia and other inhuman behaviours of the modern time. Making racist differences among people without knowing them, and only according to the colour of their skin, is not a characteristic of wise and honest people. I think that we have to find a way to prevail in this case, to call upon morality and oral education of players and supporters as well. I truly believe that a day will come when we will not have to talk about this issue anymore."
Olof Mellberg, Sweden "Few things unite people worldwide as the game of football. It is truly the global game today, easy to take on, to practice and enjoy together. The spirit of the game is the contrary to discrimination. We should all, whether we´re on the pitch or in the stands, take a stand and reject every act of racism."
Andriy Shevchenko, Ukraine "For me there are no racial differences whatsoever. As a player on the football pitch I only see partners, fellow like-minded individuals, professionals, irrespective of the colour of their skin and regardless of their faith / religion. Therefore, as Ukraine's captain, I reject racism and say "no" to whatever display of discrimination and violence.
I do believe in football's consolidating and creative power - why, the fans who join the football community with all their hearts and lofty well-meaning intentions are much superior in numbers, compared to those who dare to mar this fete of millions.
That is why I call upon everybody to unite - and not only because of love to the Game, of respect for footballing idols, and of common interest in sport, but also in terms of striving to make football purer and the atmosphere at stadia more tolerant. Together, and only together must we curb the ingress of racism into our stadia and into our souls so as to enable all stakeholders to really enjoy the game.
I am confident that through concerted efforts we will be able to eradicate racism!
Let's join hands for the sake of football!"
Claudio Reyna, USA "As the hearts and minds of billions of people are focused on the 2006 FIFA World Cup this summer in Germany, it is important to remember that football is a force that unites us, and should not divide us. The beauty of our game is its diversity, where people from all races, backgrounds and status can come together on the pitch and in the grounds to demonstrate their talent, passion and commitment to the game we all love. Racism simply has no place in football, and we are firmly committed to taking whatever steps are necessary to eradicate it from our sport. This is a time to celebrate the beauty and magic of football - let¹s do it together."
Zinedine Zidane, France "There is no place for racism in society - and especially in football.
It is impossible to love this sport, to play it or to support a team and be racist or xenophobic at the same time.
The values conveyed by football are the exact opposite of racism. Because racism promotes exclusion and hate. Football, in contrast, brings people together to share a common pleasure.
The FIFA World Cup is a magical event, a festival for players and fans alike. Every four years we experience a unique time in which people congegrate together, take part together and celebrate together. Racists are not invited."
Michael Ballack, Germany "Football has no room for racism of any kind. Especially at the World Cup. We footballers always want to win, but we always treat our opponents with respect and fairness. No matter what the colour of their skin or their religious convictions.
I hope the fans who travel to Germany from all over the world for the 2006 FIFA World Cup will act in exactly the same way and, in spite of all the footballing rivalry, will join together for one giant party both inside and outside the stadium. True to the World Cup motto: "A time to make friends."
Mexico "Football is a game among equals.
Football is the game of equality. The Mexican national team hope this will become a reality in Germany in 2006 and that everyone will trust in the spirit of the game, regardless of race.
The World Cup is an opportunity to affirm the equality of all people. During the tournament the Mexican national team wish to convey a timeless message to the world:
We play to prove that people are stronger when everyone has an equal chance. We play to allow a festival to be held, and a just game. And we play to infect the world with our message. Here, we are all equal, and we play for the world."
"Freedom of movement outside the war zones is generally unhindered."
posted by garrettmullan
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