FIFA Fair Play Days 2011 kick off in Ravenna
RAVENNA, September 1, 2011 - FIFA's 15th annual FIFA Fair Play Days campaign will kick off at the third match of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2011 this afternoon, when hosts Italy took on Iran in Ravenna/Italy. The campaign will also take place during the official international match dates of 2 and 6 September 2011.
FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter is once more urging footballers around the world to show fair play and respect on and off the pitch.
"I appeal to all players, officials and fans to set a good example of fair play, whether it be at grassroots level, or at the pinnacle of international football," said Blatter. "Together we have to take responsibility and play our part in showing fairness, impartiality and solidarity."
FIFA recognises the fundamental role of fair play and respect in sport and the need to apply them to all sporting activities. Football, as a team sport, can help to demonstrate how essential discipline, respect, team spirit and fair play are, not only in the game, but also in life. Therefore, FIFA's Fair Play campaign involves much more than simply promoting fair play on the pitch.
In Europe, UEFA will join FIFA in promoting the FIFA Fair Play Days in official games via its "Respect" campaign.
Note to editors:
The annual FIFA Fair Play Days have featured prominently on the international match calendar over the past fourteen years. Many associations around the world have taken advantage of FIFA's annual support to promote fair play on and off the pitch, and activities have been held in dozens of countries around the world, from grassroots to top-flight football and in many community-based projects.
Information for the media:
Link to FIFA Fair Play:
http://www.fifa.com/aboutfifa/socialresponsibility/fairplay/index.html<http://www.fifa.com/aboutfifa/worldwideprograms/fifacampaigns/fairplay/days.html>
Further information from:
FIFA Media Department - tel.: +41-43/222 7272, fax: +41-43/222 7373,
e-mail : media@fifa.org
FIFA Communications & Public Affairs Division / Zurich, 1 September 2011
(Source: AIPS)
