FIFA launches diversity award
In July 2001, FIFA’s member associations approved the ground-breaking and still relevant resolution against racism and discrimination at the Extraordinary FIFA Congress in the Argentinian capital of Buenos Aires.
FIFA is commemorating the 15th anniversary of the passing of this resolution by creating the FIFA Diversity Award, which will be presented for the first time in July 2016.
The annual award will recognise an outstanding organisation, group initiative or football personality that is standing up for diversity and anti-discrimination in football on a national or international level and on a sustained basis. It is part of the set of recommendations made by the FIFA Task Force Against Racism and Discrimination, which are now in their implementation phase, and which include other projects such as the support provided to all 209 member associations in their fight against discrimination.
The FIFA Diversity Award highlights the importance of the fight against exclusion and discrimination, and will be presented to an organisation, group initiative or football personality that is putting their full weight behind a project or programme that is making a significant contribution to diversity and anti discrimination.
Through this symbolic recognition and honour, FIFA hopes to inspire others around the world to take up the cause, which in turn will motivate other organisations, group initiatives and individuals to exchange best practices and build up networks.
The award also provides FIFA with an opportunity to highlight and strengthen its own strategic approach and activities in the field of diversity and anti-discrimination, for example by firming up relations with key stakeholders or fostering the debate around diversity and anti-discrimination.
“The FIFA Statutes are unequivocal – there is no place for any kind of discrimination in football. We have started to work with special match observers to help us punish breaches of conduct in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers. However, another important element of fighting discrimination is proactive work and educational initiatives that foster and celebrate diversity in all its forms,” says FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
“The FIFA Diversity Award will pay tribute to those who are dedicated to that goal and, ultimately, to guaranteeing that football sticks to its core values of solidarity and fair play”.