Many were shocked when FIFA announced it has decided to end its anti-racism task force, as it had “completely fulfilled its temporary mission.”
The 2018 World Cup in Russia has worried many who believe that there are dangerous racist elements at play at Russian football clubs. Many fans have already been put off from attending the tournament, due to the horrific scenes of Russian hooligans fighting with English fans during the 2016 Euro championships and Russia’s regressive policies toward the LGBT community.
Regardless, of these issues the football governing body are sure they have achieved all they can with this particular taskforce, however a member of the task force has made a statement against the decision.
Task force member Osasu Obayiuwana said: “I wish I could say that I am shocked by the decision, but unfortunately I am not.
“The problem of racism in football remains a burning, very serious and topical one, which need continuous attention.
“I personally think there remained a lot of very serious work for the task force to have done – the 2018 World Cup in Russia being one such matter. But it is evident the Fifa administration takes a different position.”
Anti-discrimination group Kick it Out was “perplexed” by the decision.
In a statement it said: “This comes at a time when there is clear evidence that discrimination, prejudice and hate are on the rise in developed societies.
“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.”
As many football fans and football players will admit there is still a worryingly high level of racism in football and even with improvements in certain countries, it is far from being the end of the problem. Many hooligan “firms” across Europe are closely linked to far-right groups.
Former FIFA boss Sepp Blatter and two ex-general secretaries are under investigation over serious allegations of bribery and corruption.
