UEFA Official Set To Visit To Promote Fight Against Racism

Jerusalem Post, October 26, 2007

Jeremy Last

UEFA's deputy director-general, Patrick Gasser, is to visit Israel this weekend as part of a Europe-wide campaign to fight racism in soccer.

Next week has been designated Action Week In Europe by the UEFA-affiliated group Football Against Racism in Europe.

Gasser, who is responsible for UEFA's education and public responsibility programs, was sent by UEFA president Michel Platini, who was unable to visit Israel but was said to have been "excited" by the plans.

Gasser will attend Sunday's Premier League game between league leader Betar Jerusalem and bottom-placed Maccabi Tel Aviv at Jerusalem's Teddy Stadium.

Before the start of the match the players on both teams will wear shirts adorned with the FARE and "Kicking Racism out of Football" logos. Also, a bouquet of balloons will be released into the air carrying the slogan "Kicking Racism out of Football."

The visit is being coordinated in conjunction with the New Israel Fund, the body which has been promoting the Kick Racism out of Football campaign in Israel for the past two years.

The NIF has organized visits to Israel by leading figures including former Liverpool and England international John Barnes.

"We are very excited that Mr. Platini sent one of his deputies," said a spokesperson for the NIF, "and we believe this will give our action week a significant boost."

While in Israel, Gasser will also meet with IFA representatives as well as Sports Minister Galeb Majadle.