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FIFA Defends Decision To Scrap Anti-Racism Taskforce As Critics Speak Out

FIFA has defended its decision "to scrap an anti-racism taskforce," with critics branding the move "shameful," according to the BBC. The FIFA Taskforce Against Racism & Discrimination was set up in '13 to "develop strategies to tackle the issue." FIFA General Secretary Fatma Samba Diouf Samoura said, "It had a specific mandate, which it has fully fulfilled." But former FIFA VP Prince Ali bin al-Hussein said, "For it to be disbanded with FIFA considering its work done is extremely worrying." Prince Ali, the president of the Jordan FA and a former FIFA presidential candidate, added, "The notion that the current FIFA leadership believe that the taskforce's recommendations have been implemented is shameful." 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." Kick It Out Chair Herman Ouseley said, "The reality is that racism is alive and well right across Europe and in other parts of the world." Hope not hate CEO Nick Lowles said that the decision to wind up the taskforce sent out "a really bad signal" (BBC, 9/26). In London, Martyn Ziegler reported Samoura "insisted the fight against racism" is being taken "very seriously" despite the task force being abolished. She said, "The task force had a very specific mandate that to our knowledge it has fully fulfilled" (LONDON TIMES, 9/26). The PA reported Prince Ali said that the "ad hoc committee" should have been made a "permanent part" of FIFA, "with more power and resources" to work with member associations, governments, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders (PA, 9/26).

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