MOSCOW: In an extension of its anti-discrimination policy at the World Cup in Russia, FIFA will be backing a new festival which is organized by the Russian LGBT Sport Federationcalled “Football длявсех” (Football For All). With the LGBTI community well represented, its opening ceremony was held at the recently opened Diversity House in the country’s capital city.
FIFA’s Head of Sustainability and Diversity, Federico Addiechi spoke at the opening ceremony, specifying the steps taken to support the community and promote diversity during the competition.
“Football is for all and the FIFA World Cup provides an important opportunity to show how football can provide a platform to bring people together, promote diversity and inclusivity and to support and further anti-discrimination efforts and initiatives,” Addiechi said.
“Discrimination has no place in football and at FIFA, we are fully committed to ensuring that the 2018 FIFA World Cup is inclusive and accessible for everyone. This is underlined by the range of diversity and anti-discrimination measures and initiatives that FIFA has introduced, as well as how FIFA is working with several organisations to take action against any discriminatory incidents that may occur during the event.”
Amongst the steps, FIFA has launched a new complaints mechanism for human rights defenders and media representatives. Any complaint submitted there will be addressed in accordance with the commitments set out in the FIFA Statement on human rights defenders and media representatives.
For members of the LGBTI community, FIFA is backing civil rights organizations who have introduceddedicated hotlines which are operated by Fare Network.
Aleksandr Agapov, president of the Russian LGBT Sport Federation, which has organized of the ‘Football for All’ Festival thanked FIFA for its support to the cause.
“This new Football Festival “Football длявсех” will provide members of the LGBTI community in Russia with a safe and welcoming space to play and enjoy football and will hopefully begin a new era of acceptance and diversity in Russia. On behalf of the Russian LGBT Sport Federation, we would like to thank FIFA for their support of the project, as well as their efforts to further diversity and inclusion at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.”
The federation was formed in 2010 as a non-governmental and non-profit organisation and through this festival at the World Cup, it wishes to raise awareness about diversity, inclusivity and anti-discrimination issues.
Dr Laurie Bristow, British ambassador to the Russian Federation, said at the event that the “transformative power of football can create an environment where everyone, regardless of their ethnicity, sexuality or disability can be themselves and enjoy the great game.”
