Respect Diversity summit in Rome

The fight against racism, discrimination and intolerance in football is a major priority for UEFA and the football family. This long-term campaign will be the focal point of the 2014 Respect Diversity conference, organised jointly by UEFA, the FARE network and the players' union FIFPro, and hosted by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), which takes place in Rome on Wednesday and Thursday.

More than 200 delegates representing UEFA member associations, leagues, clubs, political and governmental organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and minority groups will join relevant experts and media representatives for a conference which seeks to raise awareness of how to deal with all aspects of racism and discrimination in football with the participation of the game's key stakeholders.

UEFA President Michel Platini will open the conference with a keynote speech, followed by a panel discussion with decision-makers from politics and sport. The conference will present a platform for participants to share good practice on combating discrimination in different settings and across geographies and it will serve as a sounding board for practical solutions addressing the issue in the future. The second day of the conference will feature workshops including discussions on tackling homophobia, working with ethnic minorities and how FAs can develop action plans, as well as a players' panel discussion with former and current professional footballers.

UEFA and its Executive Committee are clear and committed in adopting a zero-tolerance policy towards racism and discrimination in the game. The UEFA Disciplinary Regulations now include stipulations which provide for firmer punishment in the event of racist conduct by players, coaches, officials and supporters. In addition, referees have the power to stop or even abandon matches for racist incidents.

At the Ordinary UEFA Congress in May 2013, the UEFA member associations issued a resolution underlining European football's commitment to combating racism and to punish those guilty of such behaviour. A new article on racism and other forms of discrimination was anchored in the UEFA Statutes following its approval by the Executive Committee and adoption at the UEFA Congress in Astana in March 2014.

The article stipulated that member associations should implement, as soon as was practicable, an effective policy aimed at eradicating racism and discrimination from football and should apply a regulatory framework whereby any such behaviour would be strictly sanctioned by serious suspensions for players and officials, as well as partial and full stadium closures if fans engaged in racist conduct.

At its meeting in Turin in May this year, the UEFA Executive Committee, concerned at continued racist incidents at football matches, stressed the need for strict penalties to be imposed. "It is unacceptable for anyone to be racially insulted or abused inside our stadiums, and we simply cannot tolerate it," said Michel Platini, urging the application of zero-tolerance policies against all forms of discrimination, and to follow the UEFA guidelines in sanctioning all guilty parties.

"At UEFA, we are committed to doing all we can to ensure diversity is respected in the world of football," said Mr Platini ahead of the Rome conference. "Sport must embrace everyone, regardless of colour, faith, sexual orientation or political beliefs. I hope this conference, which we are organising with our partners, will encourage football leaders, coaches, players and fans to work together to stop all forms of discrimination."

Since 2001, UEFA has worked together with the FARE network, which comprises groups and bodies working against intolerance and discrimination across the continent. The two bodies unite each October to create a platform for the anti-racism campaign at UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League games as part of the pan-European FARE Action Weeks. The campaign is also being highlighted at forthcoming UEFA EURO 2016 qualifying matches. The FARE network is also undertaking monitoring activities at UEFA EURO 2016 qualifiers as well as at UEFA club competition fixtures.

Piara Powar, executive director of FARE, said: "We are delighted to be working with UEFA on the 2014 Respect Diversity conference. The event brings together UEFA's 54 member associations and the FARE network to collectively examine the challenges facing us in regards to discrimination and exclusion and to set out best practices. It will influence many associations and NGOs in their future work to ensure we have a sport that has equality and inclusion as a core practice."

Tony Higgins, FIFPro Division Europe vice-president, said: "FIFPro is delighted to bring the voice of players into the discussion at the Respect Diversity conference. Professional footballers worldwide are in a unique position to help educate and inspire society to accept diversity and respect all cultures."