Black players could boycott the 2018 World Cup, the FIFA anti-racism adviser Tokyo Sexwale believes and he is urging Russian President Vladimir Putin to demand tougher action against racism in football.
Sexwale, who was an anti-apartheid campaigner and former political prisoner on Robben Island, is against a boycott but expressed concern in an interview with The Associated Press about the growing number of racist incidents in the Russian league.
"There is a threat black players will say they are not going to Russia (for the World Cup) - we can't have that," Sexwale said Tuesday on the sidelines of the Doha Goals conference. "I am talking as a FIFA person and a citizen of the world - it can't go that far…. Once these things start and you don't act as leaders, these things snowball."
Although UEFA has punished Russian clubs for racism at Champions League matches in recent years, the national federation has appeared less willing to tackle abuse.
Sexwale is urging his "personal friend" Putin to intervene.
"Show that leadership, be the Putin the world knows, be tough," said Sexwale, a former South African government minister who is an adviser to FIFA's anti-racism task force. "Failure to do so, we could be talking something different about the 2018 World Cup … you will have people saying they will not go to Russia."
The Russian Football Union has been criticized for taking no action against FC Rostov coach Igor Gamula for saying last week he wouldn't sign a defender from Cameroon because the club has "enough dark-skinned players, we've got six of the things." Gamula apologized after the agent of Rostov defender Siyanda Xulu, a South Africa international, said that five African players on the team threatened to sit out Monday's training.
Sexwale said an apology alone wasn't enough, pointing to how the NBA forced Donald Sterling to sell the Los Angeles Clippers and banned him for life over racism.
South African Football Association president Danny Jordaan wrote to FIFA President Sepp Blatter on Monday "expressing concerns," according to Sexwale.
"For the Russian federation to be seen to be serious we need them to take stern action. The world took stern action against South Africa (over apartheid), it was expelled from FIFA," Sexwale said, stopping short of calling for Russia to face the same sanction.
CSKA Moscow has been forced to play Champions League games without fans this season because of fan abuse toward black players, although Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko maintained last month that Russia has no major racism problem, saying: "I don't know what there is to be frightened."
But Sexwale said of Moscow: "There are certain parts if you are my color it's unsafe … people are scared of going to Moscow."
Sexwale wrote to South Africa's ambassador to Moscow on Monday to "caution that this is very dangerous."
"If these ultra-ring elements have their way they are threatening the World Cup," Sexwale said. "The authorities have got to come down on the perpetrators, otherwise the authority is now going to be boycotted by the victim because people will lose confidence in the Russian federation."
Claudio Sulser, the head of FIFA's disciplinary committee, said in Doha that the organization would deal with any racism at the World Cup.
"It's very critical," Sulser said. "This is a problem of the society."
Follow Rob Harris on Twitter
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press.
Comments
So sad.
I try really hard to believe that racism is only a big problem in the United States because of our history. Sadly I'm reminded again that it's also global. If Vladimir Putin is supposed to be, for the first time, a "peace maker" that would be the day pigs fly. Maybe I need to read more about him, but from what I've read I would not be surprised to find him a closet racist being he is openly against homosexuality. All I've heard him boast about is Russian pride and purity...not to sound racist myself but Russia doesn't seem to have a lot of black people so I can't imagine the russian purity part would involve black people.
Now back to the World Cup- I cannot imagine Putin really making an effort to make the Africans feel included.
It really is sad...
It really is sad that racism is preventing men from playing the game that they love and have played all of their lives. In my opinion and as history has shown, sports have brought all sorts of races together under one love - whether it be football, soccer, baseball, basketball. It has also provided an opportunity for countries to come together and enjoy one thing - the love of sports. There shouldn't be any racism in friendly competition. This is truly unfortunate.
It really is sad...
I like that you included that the sports itself bring the players together. I had a coach that said families can break up but teams always stick together. I think this can relate to this topic in the sense of whatever background, childhood, experience that an athlete as normally doesn't impact how they play the game. It's based more on the skills and techniques that the athlete acquires and also working together as a team to achieve a goal. With this article it's clear that some of the teams are not working together due to their views of racism and with that it is making it a negative situation for other teams to play. In this type of situation one has to be very careful on how you treat opponents because it could become a bigger issue than it should be which it is at this point.
Agreed
I agree that sports is a universal thing that brings people from all different races for one common goal, which is to win the game they are playing. It is sad that it comes to people, like ones in this article, causing racism to be alive and threatening the wins of certain teams because the players feel it necessary to take a stand and put a stop to what is going on and what is being said about their race.
Yes It Is.....
I agree with this and would like to add that Russia has no business hosting it after this mess. It is not the first time they are in this controversy concerning racial abuse to footballers. They are not an open minded nation. Point Blank Period. I Will boycott, sign any petition, anything. I just hope UEFA does something Unless FIFA stop sitting on their hands European games will be boycotted long before the world cup in Russia, and not just by black players.
Disagraceful
Take the World Cup off Russia and give it to a more deserving host because this is nonsense. Reason i agree to do this is because all the other nations which proposed bids would make great hosts either England, the joint bids between Netherlands/Belgium and Spain/Portugal where we wouldn't get any controversy regarding racism and all are great footballing nations.
I agree. Russia has been in
I agree. Russia has been in the spotlight lately regarding several issues and I would not feel safe going over there and I am a white person! The Olympics was also controversial and several cautionary measures were put into place there. So many other countries are deserving of being a host and I hope no one gets hurt no matter what.
I agree. Russia has been in
That's a very good point about the Olympics. I remember during these last Olympics, I realized that they were almost solely based on politics. When you're younger you watch them for how all the athletes do but now with all the controversy with Russia it was like watching the news and the sporting event all together. It is unfortunate that is the case but it is interesting to see how the different countries interact and compete in that setting.
Similar to this scenario with the negative and prejudice that are going on with the players now. It is important to stand up for what you believe in but do it in a manner that is meaningful to the individual and the team.
Put A Stop To It
I don't understand why they don't put a stop to things like this going on in the world. If Russia has been in the spotlight for negative things especially about race I don't understand why they still have privileges, such as hosting the World Cup. Let another country be a host that is fair and is accepting of everyone.
It's Just How FIFA is....
I'm not new to this because This just shows what a joke FIFA and UEFA really are. Money trumps principled stands against bigotry. So the next time they’re all out there standing around in their “No To Racism” shirts and patches, making a display of it, when push came to shove with money under the table, FIFA folded up like a cheap suit to be honest.
Equality
I agree, Russia needs to step up and target this issue. If they do act upon this issue, they will be looked up upon and maybe this issue could be reduced in sports all over the world. They are hosting the event and are responsible for the event running smoothly. People are not being punished for racism and as long as this happens, things will stay the same.
Agreed
I agree in this case that Russia should not be allowed to host the World Cup. There needs to be a punishment for their actions otherwise they will continue to do racist acts. Just like with the NBA case, the manager was forced to sell the LA Clippers and was banned from the NBA. The same actions need to be taken with this situation so people know that these types of things will not be tolerated.
Disgraceful
That's such a good point about some other countries that could host the World Cup and it wouldn't have so much issues wrapped in it. When I was younger I thought the World Cup and even Olympics were just for the sport part but now being aware of politics and the international issues, I know it's way more than that. The racism issue is internationally even in something as soccer. It's not the day to day life, it has escalated to something so much more complex. Racism can be all over and to see it effecting the games, it's unfortunate because I am guessing the athletes want to compete on the field and let the games and skills of them do the talking.
Yes, the players should only
Yes, the players should only have to worry about competing and not defending themselves off of the field. The World Cup is supposed to bring everyone together for the love of football (soccer). Instead it seems that Russia hosting the World Cup would bring everyone apart. The color of someone's skin does not determine their worth or their skill. Instead of boycotting, black players should be brave and show everyone that they will not give up and will continue to fight this racial battle.
Agreed
I agree that the athletes should only have to worry about things that go on on the field. They do not feel safe where they are and that alone is not something that anyone should have to feel simply because the color of their skin. If certain places have such a problem with the color of people's skin they should let another country host the World Cup that does not have this issue so players can feel safe and everyone can feel welcome and happy to watch and attend the games.
Great point!
You're right. It's crazy how sports used to be about just sports and people competing for a common goal. Now, sports are so political that it takes away from the true passion and love of the game - no matter the sport. Why can't we use sports as a tool to show others that everyone can do things equally.
Agree
I love your point about using sports to show other that everyone can do thing equally. I don't think that there are far more white people involved in pro soccer or vice versa. Therefore, we should all be treated equally. Racism is just used to target because they can and they know that they will get a reaction from it.
Racism is everywhere, people
Racism is everywhere, people definitely need to pay more attention on it!!1
Getting away with it
I agree. People need to pay more attention, especially by the major people involved in sport. I can't believe that the comment made by FC Rostov coach Igor Gamula was ignored and he was not punished. If actions like this were acted upon, maybe this situation would be different. Maybe racism happens so much is sport where people should be setting a good example is because they can easily get away with it without consequences or punishment.
Soccer In America
The sport of soccer in America is beginning to become very popular. I would hate to see this bring soccer to a stand still regarding the World Cup for team USA. There is a lot of racial conflicts going on in this country and we need to use sports as a common ground. We need to use sports as a way to show that everyone is created equal and that we can all get along.
For Real! I support this
This is true and it is beginning to grow in the United States especially in Kansas/ Missouri. I see what Toure is going through and it is what it is. People can be closed minded. As much as i want the location to change it may very well be that the FIFA Respect campaign really isn't going to change it and Russia will pretty much offer protection so that no harm comes to a player. One thing to consider and I had this debate with someone else. What would it be if the US hosted the WC? Would this type of abuse happen?
Agree
I agree. Sports is so big across the world and is watched by many people that if racism is happening, it could influence the behavior of fans and other people involved in sports. If this was to happen, the world cup could be really unsuccessful and ruin the good spirit in soccer.
Reply
The comment by FC Rostov coach Igor Gamula is disgusting and I find it hard to believe that any professional coach would say such a thing. He should recruit on talent and not skin color, he should be fired! However, I do feel that if this was the other way around where white people felt this way, it wouldn't be an issue. I know black people are the minority but what's to say their isn't racism happening against white people too. There can be horrible fans in sports and I'm sure white people have been treated badly in some cultures too because of the color of their skin. If this is such an issue, they should face it and not withdraw from the competition.