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FIFA step up racism fight FIFA has called on teams taking part in World Cup qualifying matches this month to carry banners against racism. And world football's governing body has decreed that team captains in both semi-finals of the Confederations Cup, on June 25 and 26, will make statements rejecting racism just before kick-off, in its annual anti-discrimination day. Their squads will carry "Say No to Racism" banners, while similar action will be taken during the quarter-finals of the World Youth Championship in the Netherlands on June 24 and 25. "Given the large number of qualifying matches for the 2006 FIFA World Cup taking place this month and their importance, FIFA has also encouraged its member associations to help spread this message worldwide by joining this action," a statement from the governing body said. The move follows a spate of racist incidents that marred matches in Europe over the past season. "Racism is still rearing its ugly head in society and unfortunately, football is not immune to this scourge," said FIFA president Sepp Blatter. "Thankfully, we are not powerless against this blight. Sport – and especially football – has the unique ability to use its unifying power to combat social ills such as racism and violence."
Advertisement: Arsenal and France striker Thierry Henry is heading a group of FIFA anti-racism ambassadors that will include leading players and coaches.
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