FIFA’s embarrassing stand on racism
Hey, did you hear? Racism in sports is solved!
That’s the message from soccer’s international governing body. And if you needed any more evidence that FIFA does not operate in the real world, its recent decision to disband a 3-year-old antiracism task force provides plenty.
FIFA declared this week that the antiracism task force had “completely fulfilled its temporary mission” and “is hereby dissolved and no longer in operation.”
That’s quite fascinating because just three months ago there were several incidents of racially tinged hooligan violence at the European Championships in France.
But nope, problem solved! FIFA is super-duper proud of its “Just Say No to Racism” slogan and a “good practices” guidebook that addresses the subject. The window-dressing approach is embarrassing and is something we should be wary of in this country as we continue to deal with this problem.
The anthem protests in our country have produced a disgusting racist reaction on social media. After three Nebraska Cornhuskers took a knee during the national anthem Saturday, the college students received horrifying messages including suggestions that they should be lynched or shot. Seattle catcher Steve Clevenger was fired for his ugly turn on social media.
Much of the racism this summer in Europe was generated by the Russian fans, aimed toward black players on other teams. According to the Associated Press, recent research from a Moscow-based organization reports a surge in racist incidents from Russian fans. This is concerning, as the 2018 World Cup will be held in Russia, and the lead-in tournament, the Confederations Cup, will be held there next summer.
Russia has been fined, threatened with both point deductions and the specter of playing games in empty stadiums because of the behavior of its fans. Judging by recent incidents, that hasn’t solved the problem. Russia isn’t the only country dealing with these issues; Croatia also was under investigation.
The men behind the original task force, Sepp Blatter and Jeffrey Webb, have been forced out of FIFA in a corruption scandal. Webb, who pleaded guilty to racketeering charges, was replaced as head of the task force, but the new head never once held a meeting.
Apparently meetings weren’t needed! Because the problem has vanished! Maybe we can get FIFA’s secret over here.