Call for Kick Racism Out football campaign

15 July 2013

Media release
NZ Federation of Multicultural Councils

Multicultural Federation calls on Football NZ to develop Kick Racism Out campaign

The NZ Federation of Multicultural Councils has called on Football New Zealand to initiate a national Kick Racism Out strategy and campaign after reports this week of racial abuse and harassment of African players in the Seatoun football team.

President Tayo Agunlejika says the Federation had written to the Chief Executives of Capital Football and New Zealand Football today saying that such behaviour, whether by other players or spectators, is unacceptable and must be stopped.

Mr Agunlejika said "We applaud The Seatoun Club for launching its own "Kick Racism Out" campaign but feel that this is not just a matter for one club but for the whole of the region and the national federation to support."

"There are increasing numbers of players and teams of ethnic origin participating in the football league at the highest level, and it is vital that the regional and national body are proactive in addressing issues of racial abuse and harassment, as is the case at the international level."

Mr Agunlejika said the Federation had offered to work with football authorities to develop a campaign and stronger policies to stamp out racism in football, and welcomed the fact that a complaint had been lodged with Race Relations Commissioner Dame Susan Devoy by Seatoun coach Steve Demakis.

ENDS

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