World Football governing body FIFA has added it’s voice to the black lives matter campaign after many Footballers and football clubs across the world paid tribute to George Floyd.
FIFA have said in a statement that they themselves as an organization have championed the fight against racism and discrimination in the game. FIFA have clarified that they will support any campaign that will help stop racism, discrimination and violence.
“FIFA fully understands the depth of sentiment and concerns expressed by many footballers in light of the tragic circumstances of the George Floyd case,” the statement said.
“FIFA had repeatedly expressed itself to be resolutely against racism and discrimination of any kind and recently strengthened its own disciplinary rules with a view to helping to eradicate such behaviour.
“FIFA itself has promoted many anti-racism campaigns which frequently carry the anti-racism message at matches organised under its own auspices.”
England forward Jason Sancho was one of the Footballers who displayed a message on his shirt in a recent Bundesliga match after scoring a hattick.
Liverpool players at training took a knee in respect for George Floyd.
Such campaigns by players could normally attract punishment but FIFA have since urged comptetition organizers across the world to use common sense when sending out campaigns during matches.
The statement adds, “The application of the Laws of the Game approved by the IFAB is left for the competitions organisers which should use common sense and have in consideration the context surrounding the events.”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said: “For the avoidance of doubt, in a FIFA competition the recent demonstrations of players in Bundesliga matches would deserve an applause and not a punishment.
“We all must say no to racism and any form of discrimination.”
“We all must say no to violence. Any form of violence.”
Floyd died while being detained by police as an officer leant for eight minutes with a knee on his neck in full view of bystanders, and amid the cries of Floyd that he could not breath.
The incident has sparked protests across the United States, where it is claimed that the actions of the police were racially motivated.
The Bundesliga is one of the few major leagues running at present due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but with England, Spain and Italy set to return this month, more players could follow Sancho’s lead.
