IGNORING racism is accepting racism.’ This is the message behind an upcoming week-long anti-racism soccer initiative.

Anyone involved in the game is being invited to take a stand and support an action week against racism and discrimination in European football organised by Fare (Football Against Racism in Europe), which takes place from 16–28 October.

According to Fare, discrimination and racism is “a regular occurrence” in European soccer and is often “swept under the carpet”. This October, for the ninth successive season, the Fare network is co-ordinating action in and around soccer stadiums across Europe, involving large sections of the European soccer family in more than 35 countries.

The idea behind the Fare week is that a wide range of initiatives and activities address local problems within clubs or communities, while also joining groups across the continent to present a unified stand against racism in the game. Aside from activities by professional clubs, national associations and leagues such as the Uefa Champions League, the Fare action week will give fans, minority groups and grassroots soccer teams across the continent the opportunity to come together and celebrate the integrative power of the game.

Fare will also be supporting initiatives tackling homophobia and sexism, and can offer financial assistance for local activities such as the production of campaigning materials and the organisation of antiracism matches. Groups can apply online at www.farenet.org for financial assistance. The maximum grant is €400, and the deadline for applications is 8 September 2008.