Fostering good will

FIFA takes stand vs. racism at Confederations Cup

SAINT-ETIENNE, France (AP) -- Brotherhood and good will go only so far at the Confederations Cup.

Soccer's governing body is trying to take a stand against racism at this tournament, which brings together the champions of all continents.

FIFA showed videotapes of racial cooperation on the field and asked opponents to shake hands after games. This attempt to foster fair play and racial harmony has not been overwhelmingly embraced.

"It's going a bit overboard to require it after the game," U.S. coach Bruce Arena said. "That's something people in suits think is important."

The handshake protocol was followed without protest after the United States was eliminated Saturday with its 1-0 loss to Brazil.

"It puts a lot of pressure on the referee," Arena added. "Sometimes it's best that opponents are separated."

France captain Marcel Desailly was not pleased when told of the new etiquette before his team faced New Zealand on Sunday.

"I can't be forced to shake the opponents' hand," he said. "I shake the hand of the person nearest me anyway. If I have to shake 23 people's hands we'll never see the end of it."

Senes Erzik, chairman of the FIFA Committee for Security and Fair Play, acknowledged that soccer has a long way to go to be free of discrimination.

"Our sport is a reflection of society and is not devoid of the phenomena threatening modern society," he said.

The two-day initiative got off to a rocky start when Turkey played Cameroon on Saturday in Saint-Denis.

Before the game, opposing players linked arms. After Cameroon won, on a disputed late penalty kick, the feel-good atmosphere soured. Clusters of Turkey fans scuffled with security guards and pelted the field with bottles.

"They are fanatical fans; Cameroon are fanatical fans, too," Turkey midfielder Yildiray Basturk said. "It's normal for there to be a few problems. But perhaps it would have been better to segregate the fans."

There were no problems among the players, who greeted one another after the game.

Cameroon midfielder Geremi, who scored the penalty kick, says he has never been subjected to racist taunts or acts. Other black players, however, are jeered elsewhere by opposing crowds, some even by their own fans.

"Racism needs to be banished," he said. "FIFA is doing the right thing."

Slovakia had to play a qualifier for the 2004 European Championship before no fans as punishment for the racist behavior by some of its fans.

Italian soccer has been trying to combat racism. England turned down its ticket allocation for an upcoming Euro 2004 qualifier in Macedonia in anticipation of possible boorish behavior by its fans.

Racism is only one problem. There is nationalistic fervor as well.

Fans booed the American anthem for the second straight game. Whistling by fans during an opponent's anthem, however, has been a presence in soccer for decades.

"It's disrespectful," Arena said. "We respect the national anthem of every country, so I was disappointed with that."

Added U.S. forward Landon Donovan: "True colors show."

 

Related information

Stories

Brazil edges U.S. 1-0 at Confederations Cup Cameroon beats Turkey 1-0 to make semifinals Arena blasts schedule before Brazil showdown Notebook: Confed Cup starts before ceremony Confederations Cup Standings and Schedule Confederations Cup 2003 Index

Multimedia

Visit Video Plus for the latest audio and video