Kick It Out 'perplexed' by Fifa's decision to disband anti-racism taskforce

Fifa's decision to disband its anti-racism taskforce has come under fire
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James Benge26 September 2016

Kick It Out has pronounced itself “perplexed” with Fifa’s decision to disband its anti-racism task force.

The Fifa Taskforce Against Racism and Discrimination has been in place since 2013 but football’s governing body confirmed on Sunday that the task force’s work was “complete” despite ongoing fears of discriminatory fear at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

But Kick It Out, the equality and inclusion organisation established in 1997 to build on the work of the ‘Let’s Kick Racism Out of Football’ charity, believe the decision to be deeply concerning with less than two years until the World Cup kicks off.

“Kick It Out is perplexed with the decision from Fifa to disband its anti-racism task force,” the organisation said in a statement.

“This comes at a time when there is clear evidence that discrimination, prejudice and hate are on the rise in developed societies, particularly in Europe but also in different forms across the world. Football should seek to lead the way in combating such intrusions.

“It is clear that organisations that are actively campaigning against racism and discrimination will be deeply disheartened to hear news of the disbandment, as they look to FIFA for leadership in a game which is so popular across the world.

“This is also ahead of FIFA hosting the 2018 World Cup in Russia, a country which is notorious for racism and abusive activities towards minorities.

“Fifa state on their website: ‘Fifa is actively committed to fighting all kinds of discrimination within football and within society as a whole.’ – With this in mind, Kick It Out is urging Fifa to set out a clear and concise strategy on how the sport can tackle discrimination and promote equality.”

Fifa General Secretary Fatma Samba Diouf Samoura addressess Soccerex in Manchester earlier on Monday 
ANTHONY DEVLIN/AFP/Getty Images

Fifa General Secretary Fatma Samba Diouf Samoura said in defence of the decision: “The taskforce had a specific mandate, which it has fully fulfilled.”

In a letter to the task force memebers Gerd Dembowksi, Fifa's diversity and anti-discrimination manager said: "The Fifa Task Force Against Racism and Discrimination was set up with your help on a temporary basis to develop recommendations for Fifa.

"We are therefore delighted to inform you that all of the task force's recommendations have been implemented and all resulting projects are ongoing."

Sepp Blatter established the task force in 2013 and placed vice-president Jeffrey Webb at its head, where he would remain until 2015 when he was arrested as part of an American investigation into corruption in Fifa.

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