Blatter: Education the key to tackling discrimination

Blatter: Education the key to tackling discrimination
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FIFA recently celebrated the tenth anniversary of the Buenos Aires Resolution, passed by the Extraordinary Congress of FIFA during a memorable meeting in the Argentinian capital on 7 July 2001. A landmark event, it stipulated that “given its global reach, power and influence, [football] has a duty to act in a responsible and progressive manner” in the struggle against discrimination.

Continuing our series of interviews dedicated to the fight against discrimination, FIFA.com spoke to FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter to discuss the numerous advances that have been made in the last ten years. The head of world football's governing body spoke with absolute candour on a subject that, while delicate, remains vitally important to FIFA and the football family.

FIFA.com: It was recently the tenth anniversary of the Buenos Aires Resolution, which declared the fight against discrimination a priority for football. What has FIFA done since then?
Joseph S. Blatter: FIFA has done a lot. In 2001, we launched FIFA’s Anti-Discrimination Days and in 2006 we launched the ‘Say No to Racism’ campaign. I’m also reminded of the ’90 Minutes for Mandela’ match in 2007, the main goal of which was to support the fight against racism. Those are just a few examples of what we’ve been doing. That said, we and society as a whole can never do enough to tackle discrimination, which is another way of saying we won’t abandon our efforts.

How exactly do you think football can help in the fight against this problem?
This sport has a power to bring people together. It’s universal. That’s why FIFA never misses a chance to reaffirm its opposition to all forms of discrimination, as we did once again via the Anti-Discrimination Day on 13 July that coincided with the semi-finals of the Women’s World Cup. We're not just talking about racism here. Homophobia, sexism, sectarianism and ethnic discrimination cannot be to tolerated either. They have no more place on a football pitch or in a stadium than they do anywhere else in society – and perhaps even less a place because fair play and an acceptance of difference are the essence of football.

The subject of homophobia arose during the recent FIFA Women’s World Cup™ in Germany. What is FIFA’s stand on this issue?
We’re very clear about it. The sexual orientation of a player or coach is a private matter. People have to be able to live their lives free from all forms of discrimination.

What can FIFA do in the future to tackle discrimination?
It’s a question of education. I often say that football is a school of life because its basic principles are discipline, fair play and respect for others. FIFA runs a great number of courses which are aimed at the young, either directly or indirectly. Our Grassroots programme is the most obvious example, but a course held to help local coaches find wider success will also have an impact on youngsters. When we help member associations become more professional through our Performance programme, certain areas of the programme will affect the young players in those associations. Every single time we run courses or organise programmes like these, we insist on passing on a message of respect and tolerance, and opposition to all forms of discrimination. In short, the key is education.

Does FIFA have other means of fighting discrimination?
Yes, through our Football for Hope Movement, which supports more than 100 associations around the world, and through our work with other organisations, such as UNICEF or the Inter-American Development Bank, and other United Nations agencies and programmes. All these associations have a specific focus and all use football to pass on their message. In most cases, these associations work with children and, for many of them, their focus is the fight against discrimination. It’s painstaking work and work dedicated to education, but that’s the most effective kind.

Those efforts are focused on prevention, but what sanctions can be applied if discrimination continues to rear its head?
First of all, I’d like to cite Article 3 of the FIFA Statutes, which states that all forms of discrimination are prohibited and punishable by suspension or expulsion. The FIFA Statutes are the equivalent of a country’s constitution, so that’s no small matter. We also have a number of safeguards before being compelled to take the extreme measure of expelling a member association. FIFA possesses an arsenal of disciplinary measures in this area. Having said that, although I’m favour of firmness, and even if sanctions can act as an important deterrent, I remain convinced that they will never be as effective as prevention.

What do you think would be the quickest way of ridding football of this blight?
I don’t think that we can ever totally eradicate racism, in the strictest sense of the term, or all forms of discrimination from football. There’ll never be a day when we can say: “That’s it, it’s over. There’s no more racism in football.” That’s unrealistic. We’ll always need to stay vigilant, and we’re on the right track. There are fewer and fewer cases and, overall, they’re rare. Let’s hope it stays that way. Nevertheless, if we want to make sure young people understand the absurdity of discriminatory behaviour, we’ll need to get players and stars involved. The likes of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham are heroes for millions and millions of boys and girls, and if stars like these say over and over again that you need to be tolerant and not reject people because they’re different, then I’m convinced the message will get through. They’re a little like the big brothers of the football family.

Fair play at the quarter-finals of the FIFA U-20 World Cup Colombia 2011

Fair play at the quarter-finals of the FIFA U-20 World Cup Colombia 2011

FIFA has always been committed to the values of fair play, and the FIFA Fair Play campaign has gained great importance on the international match calendar in recent years.

Fair play will also be celebrated at the quarter-finals of the FIFA U-20 World Cup Colombia 2011 in Bogotá, Cali, Cartagena and Pereira on 13 and 14 August 2011.

On 13 August, the match in Bogotá will be Mexico v. Colombia, and the game in Cartagena will be Portugal v. Argentina. On 14 August, Brazil v. Spain will take place in Pereira, and the game in Cali will be France v. Nigeria.

The captains of the eight teams will read a message in support of fair play and respecting opponents, and the teams will also display a “My Game is Fair Play” banner before the start of the matches.

FIFA and the Local Organising Committee of the FIFA U-20 World Cup Colombia 2011 are proud to dedicate these matches to fair play and are convinced that all players, coaches, officials and fans will play fair, both on and off the pitch, leading by example and showing fairness, impartiality and solidarity in everything they do. So far, the FIFA U-20 World Cup Colombia has been an outstanding example of fair play, with the players showing great, fair football on the pitch and the spectators celebrating a football fiesta in the stands.

This year’s official FIFA Fair Play Days will be held during the official match days from 2 to 6 September 2011, and more than 45 member associations have already informed FIFA that they will follow the call and celebrate fair play at the international, league and youth games in their country.

Hernandez: Good times ahead at United

Hernandez: Good times ahead at United


Few players have been able to make such a big impact on the global football scene after just one breakthrough season as Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez. Blessed with extraordinary talent, professionalism and an unerring nose for goal, as well as charisma and character in abundance, the Manchester United and Mexico striker was undoubtedly one of the stars of the 2010/11 campaign.

Just a few short weeks after playing a leading role in El Tri’s CONCACAF Gold Cup triumph, the No14 took time out from United’s pre-season preparations to chat to FIFA.com about his career so far, his spectacular recent successes and his future plans.

FIFA.com: Javier, what do you think was the key factor in Mexico’s Gold Cup success?
Javier Hernandez: The team’s hard work and commitment were what kept us on the winning trail. We were also very effective in front of goal, but that shouldn’t fool people into thinking it was easy. Right from the off, we said to ourselves that we weren’t under any obligation. We try and win every game we play and every tournament we enter, but success only comes with hard work.

That said, anything other than winning the competition would have been considered a failure back in Mexico…
I don’t agree with that view. Whether we won or lost, we knew what the consequences would be. Our objective was to win the competition and that’s what we did. That was what really mattered and I was really pleased to help give the fans something to celebrate. You have to remember that we went through a lot of difficult moments during the competition, which makes us even happier to have won it. It’s my first trophy with the national team, and it makes me really happy.

In your view, is this the most talented team Mexico have ever had?
I’ve never liked making comparisons. As a player you just have to do what your coach asks of you, and even more so at national-team level. I’m very grateful for the way I’ve been welcomed into the squad and the help I’ve been given. Every second I’ve played for El Tricolor has been great. I don’t live in the past, what drives me is the here and now.

After your national-team exploits, it’s now time to focus on Manchester United once more…
I’ve been treated wonderfully in Manchester, and I simply need to repay that faith. I had a very good first season and I hope to be able to contribute much more. I think there are good times ahead with this team and I’m very excited about the opportunities ahead in the coming season.
I’ve been treated wonderfully in Manchester, and I simply need to repay that faith. I had a very good first season and I hope to be able to contribute much more.
Javier Hernandez, Manchester United striker

In the past, Mexican players have struggled to adapt quickly to life in other countries. What was your secret?
Moving to a new country is always difficult, but the fact my dad and my sister came to live with me was a huge help. That made things easier. In fact, what I miss most about Mexico isn’t the food or the customs, it’s my family and the way we’d all sit around chatting together on an evening.

The fact you already spoke English must have helped too, didn’t it?
I spoke pretty well when I first arrived here, and since then I’ve been improving bit by bit, understanding more and more and speaking better. But the truth is that knowing English was a massive help, because it meant I could communicate in the dressing room and get to know my colleagues more quickly.

In a sharp change of subject, can you tell us how you’ve come to be wearing the No14 for club and country?
In fact, it was pure luck (laughs). When I joined Chivas first I had the No45, then 25 and then the player who was wearing 14 was sold and they gave it to me. By coincidence I was given that number for the (2010) World Cup because Miguel Sabah got injured, and then it turned out to be free at Manchester United too. Curiously, my dad wore that number when he won the title with (Mexican side) Puebla, so it’s quite fitting, even though it wasn’t a deliberate choice and just a series of coincidences.

How did you start out in the game, where did your passion for football come from?
From what I’ve always been told by everyone in my family, they tell me since I was small I always wanted to play with a ball. I used to like going to matches every weekend, I’d learn the players’ names and numbers and my whole life would revolve around football – talking about it, thinking about it and playing it. I just knew I was going to be a professional footballer. Besides, I used to watch my dad out there on the pitch and my grandad would tell me stories (from his playing days) too. It would have been harder not to have been a footballer!

Who were your idols growing up?
Well, I used to watch all the players, and when I saw them doing something exciting I’d try and copy them later. My idols were my dad and my grandad, they always have been and always will be. Aside from them, someone I always looked to imitate was Brazil’s Ronaldo. I used to think he was great and of course Brazil are one of those teams that always catch the eye. Particularly their France ’98 side, which was a class team and earned a lot of admirers thanks to the way they played. But of course, I wasn’t at all happy when they lost in the Final! (laughs)

And finally, what was your verdict on Mexico’s triumph on home soil at the recent FIFA U-17 World Cup?
As I’ve said before, I’ve got nothing but admiration for those lads. I was involved in the in the run-up to Peru 2005, but I didn’t make the squad which won the (U-17) world title – something these lads were able to achieve. They’ve boosted Mexico’s profile everywhere and that makes me feel very proud.

Colombia make a reluctant farewell

Colombia make a reluctant farewell

It is midnight at El Campin in Bogota, and for once the Colombia dressing room is silent. Instead of the usual salsa strains, tonight it is Mexican music that is echoing down the stadium's corridors.

Trying to lift the mood in the wake of the hosts' elimination from the FIFA U-20 World Cup, the country’s president Juan Manuel Santos pays a visit to Eduardo Lara’s crestfallen squad, though the look on his face as he emerges from the changing room reflects the air of dejection. And as FIFA.com found out for itself, it will be some time before the Cafetero players are smiling again after Saturday’s 3-1 quarter-final loss to Mexico.

“We’re sad because we expected more,” said Colombia’s downcast goalkeeper Cristian Bonilla, his voice barely audible. “We made mistakes and we paid dearly for them. Life goes on, of course, and we’ll carry on playing for Colombia, but this hurts and it hurts a lot.”
All we can do is apologise to the fans for failing to fulfil their dreams, but we’ll keep on fighting and try to make everyone happy.
Michael Ortega

Midfielder Michael Ortega, who plays for Mexican club Atlas, was next to offer his thoughts to the FIFA.com microphone. On the verge of tears and clutching a packet of sweets in his hand, he stared blankly at the ground as he summed up the mood in the Colombia camp: “There’s a lot of sadness, as you’d expect. We fought hard and we gave our all, but it wasn’t enough. The Colombian people are sad but we’re even more disappointed. Only God knows how he goes about his work.”

Ortega can be proud of his efforts in the competition. The brains of the Colombia team, the midfielder served up four assists, not to mention countless examples of his skill, smoothing his side’s path to the last eight.

“You always try to do your very best and more for this jersey,” he continued. “All we can do is apologise to the fans for failing to fulfil their dreams, but we’ll keep on fighting and try to make everyone happy.”

Gratitude
Coupled with the senior team’s encouraging showing at the recent Copa America, the performance of the U-20 side, many of whom formed part of the team that finished fourth at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Nigeria 2009, has given Colombia fans every reason to be optimistic about the future. What is more, several members of Eduardo Lara’s side look ready to make the step up to the full national team.

Captain and defensive bulwark Pedro Franco is one of them. “We wanted to bring joy to the fans and we put absolutely everything we had into it,” he said. “We really are sorry, but we have to look to the future. We have a long way to go and I’m sure we’ll be able to draw on this experience for our careers.”

Franco and his team-mates are nearing the end of their apprenticeships, and their graduation to full international honours cannot be far away. The tireless Jose Valencia never stopped working and was a major threat up front, James Rodriguez oozed class throughout the tournament, and the imposing Luis Muriel showed that he will soon be pushing Radamel Falcao and Teofilo Gutierrez for a place in the Colombia attack.

Their displays were deserving of the ovation that the massed ranks of Cafetero fans gave them following their elimination in front of a packed El Campin. Fabian Castillo, one of the survivors of Nigeria 2009 and an outstanding performer on the left flank, voiced the squad’s gratitude for the support they received.

“We’d like to thank everyone,” he said. “The fans have shown how passionate Colombia is, not just tonight but in every game. They applauded us, which we all appreciate a lot, and I hope they carry on watching the World Cup in spite of this.”

One thing they will be watching for sure is the progress of the young men who have enraptured the country in the last few weeks.

Arsenal, Barça agree on Fabregas sale

Arsenal, Barça agree on Fabregas sale
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Arsenal announced tonight they have reached an agreement in principle with Barcelona over the sale of Cesc Fabregas.

The midfielder, who joined the Gunners from Barcelona as a 16-year-old in 2003, will now agree personal terms and undergo a medical tomorrow before sealing his return to the Nou Camp.

"Initial agreement between Arsenal and FC Barcelona for the transfer of Cesc [Fabregas] with the signing of contracts and medical to take place on Monday," said a Barcelona club statement.
We thank Cesc for his contribution at Arsenal and wish him future success.
Arsene Wenger, Arsenal manager

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger told the club's official website: "We have been clear that we didn't want Cesc [Fabregas] to leave and that remains the case.

"However, we understand Cesc's desire to move to his home town club and have now accepted an offer from Barcelona. We thank Cesc for his contribution at Arsenal and wish him future success."

A deal for the 24-year-old looked imminent when he was omitted from the Arsenal squad for yesterday evening's match at Newcastle.

Fabregas, who has won 58 caps for Spain, winning the UEFA EURO 2008 and the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, made 303 appearances for the Gunners, scoring 57 goals. He was named the club's captain in November 2008.

Camacho: China is a beautiful challenge

Camacho: China is a beautiful challenge
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Beautiful is not a word often associated with a challenge, but at his first press conference in charge of China PR on Sunday in Beijing, newly appointed Spaniard Jose Antonio Camacho reiterated this adjective to describe his new job.

"China is a great country," Camacho stated to a sea of media after the signing ceremony was done, making him China's eighth imported manager in history. "Obviously it is a challenge for me, but it is a beautiful challenge which I am willing to confront. I am proud of being the coach of China."

Coaching China represents only the 56-year-old's second national team role, having had a four-year spell with Spain between 1998-2002, during which time he guided his country to the quarter-finals at the FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan 2002™. The former Real Madrid stalwart defender has had two previous spells abroad, both with Portuguese giants Benfica. He can also fall back on lengthy La Liga experience, most recently with Osasuna.
The Chinese players are well-disciplined and are able to play tactically well.
New China PR coach Jose Antonio Camacho

Camacho was at pains to illustrate the responsibility he is taking on by coaching the world’s most populace nation. "I know what this job accounts for,” he said. “It is not a provincial side, a local club, but it is a national team. It is a unit that represents the whole country and people so I wish my players can bear this in their minds and play for the people," Camacho stated proudly, his emotional remarks triggering applause from the packed media contingent.

"We will strive to qualify for Brazil 2014 and at the same time, we will work hard to make the game more popular in China,” he said. “We will not only inspire and encourage the youngsters to play football but also to promote the most talented to the national senior team."

Dual responsibility
As Camacho stated, his brief is a two-fold task. Ending China’s 12-year drought from the world stage will be the first. Development of youth talent, meanwhile, is the second part of his Chinese mission. Although Wei Di, Vice-President of the Chinese Football Association confirmed his three-year deal won’t purely be measured by the outcome of qualifiers, the Spaniard is all too aware how desperately his newly adopted nation needs the natural boost that comes with qualification, in order to raise their footballing image.

There will be little scope for preparation in the short term with the opening home fixture of Asia’s third qualifying round against Singapore just a matter of weeks away. The national team players will convene in camp later this week meaning Camacho has a little under two weeks to prepare before the 2 September test.

“I have been working against time to learn about the team since negotiations with the CFA began. We have up to now watched 56 games the team has played, including their recent 1-0 friendly victory over Jamaica,” said a passionate Camacho, who was known as a tough tackler during his 15-year playing career as defender with both Real Madrid and Spain.

“I have noticed that the Chinese players are well-disciplined and are able to play tactically well. Although it may take a longer time for us to know about the team better, I have no doubt that we can do our job well as long as we work to our best.”

Nevertheless, Camacho faces a challenging task if he is to successfully guide China through Asia’s lengthy qualifying campaign, taking into account that the team have twice failed even to reach the final round on the road to Germany 2006 and South Africa 2010.

However, Camacho sounded upbeat as he chose to downplay the pressures in spite of the difficulties facing him. “Football is a job full of pressure,” he said. “I have been married to the game since I started playing with Real Madrid as a 19-year-old. I am clear what task is facing us, but I am determined to work to my utmost until the closing minute to live up to the expectation.

Subs fire France, Brazil hold nerve

Subs fire France, Brazil hold nerve


THE DAY REPLAYED – Sunday 14 August was undoubtedly the day substitutes took centre stage at Colombia 2011, with Alexandre Lacazette, Maduabuchi Ejike, Dudu and Alvaro Vazquez all coming off the bench to score vital goals for their respective teams.

It was also a day on which France made history by reaching the semi-finals of the FIFA U-20 World Cup for the very first time, having overcome Nigeria 3-2 after a frenetic extra-time period featuring three goals. Subs on both sides were hugely influential, with four goals and three assists all supplied by players who did not start the match. The additional 30-minute period appears not to suit the Flying Eagles who, at the same stage of this competition at Canada 2007, conceded four goals in extra time of their tie with Chile.

French forward Lacazette, for his part, briefly claimed a share of top spot in the scorers’ charts after taking his individual tally to four goals, only for Spanish supersub Vazquez to move clear on five strikes via his 102nd-minute equaliser against Brazil in Pereira. Spain and Brazil’s sixth meeting at this competition was every bit a clásico, featuring no fewer than 43 shots at goal: the second-highest total for any match here at Colombia 2011 so far. Needing a penalty shoot-out to separate the two sides, it was A Seleção who won 4-2 on spot-kicks to avenge their extra-time defeat by La Rojita at the Round of 16 stage of Canada 2007 – Brazil’s earliest ever exit from the finals of a FIFA U-20 World Cup.

It must also be worth noting that three of the four quarter-finals at Colombia 2011 went to extra time, which has been the case at this phase of the competition at every edition of the global U-20 showpiece since Netherlands 2005.

Results
Quarter-finals
France 3-2 Nigeria
Brazil 2-2 Spain (Brazil win 4-2 on penalties)

Goal of the day
France-Nigeria, Gueida Fofana (102')
In the thick of a topsy-turvy extra-time period, France grabbed control of proceedings via their captain courageous Gueida Fofana. Latching on to a chipped pass from Clement Grenier some 25 metres out, the Le Havre man plucked the ball out of the air with one touch before sending a sublime half-volley dipping over the head of Dami Paul and into the back of the net.

Memorable moments
Firepower in reserve: The match between Nigeria and France turned into a veritable duel between the sides’ subs, with Les Bleuets’ hero Lacazette scoring his third and fourth goals of the competition despite starting all five of his side’s matches on the bench. For the Flying Eagles, Ejike made a spectacular impact in his first appearance of the tournament. Joining the fray two minutes into injury time with his side 1-0 down, Ejike found the net within a minute with a neat header from fellow sub Uche Nwofor’s pass, thus scoring the quickest goal by a substitute at Colombia 2011 and taking the match into extra time. Ejike later fired his second of the game after the shot of yet another bench-warmer, Sani Emmanuel, had come back off the woodwork. Intriguingly, the latter scored five times at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Nigeria 2009, all of which came after joining the action as a substitute.

Practice makes perfect: The Brazil set-up have learned the lessons of the senior side’s quarter-final exit against Paraguay at this summer’s Copa America, when they missed all four spot-kicks in a disastrous penalty shoot-out. The U-20s, for their part, have been working assiduously on the exercise and their dedication paid dividends when scoring with all four attempts against Spain. “I practice as much as I can with Santos and with A Seleção, because it can prove decisive,” said key man Danilo, scorer of his side’s second spot-kick.

Fair Play to the fore: The usual pre-game Fair Play speech by the respective captains appears to have had an inspirational impact on Spain and Brazil, who put on a superb spectacle in torrential rain in Pereira. Indeed, when the whistle blew for half-time there had been a total of 18 shots at goal and just six fouls awarded.

Nigerians winning admirers: Over in Cali, the fans got behind Nigeria for their entire match against France, awarding the Flying Eagles with a standing ovation after the game despite their dramatic defeat. The local fans even gathered to applaud the African squad when boarding their team coach afterwards. Clearly adopted by the public, did the cowboy hat sported by coach John Obuh have anything to do with their popularity?

The stat
2000 – Spain striker Rodrigo’s superb diving header against Brazil was the 2000th goal in FIFA U-20 World Cup history. Ironically, Rodri was born in Brazil while landmark strikes appear to be his speciality – he fired the competition’s 1900th goal in the group-stage game against Costa Rica.

Next up
In 17 August’s semi-finals, France meet Portugal in Medellin while Mexico take on Brazil in Pereira.