The Football Association of Wales (FAW) aknowledges that hateful, discriminatory attitudes and prejudice which exist in society regrettably extend to football.
Discrimination and prejudicial, hateful behaviour can have a profound impact on an individual’s well-being and future involvement in the sport and the FAW is committed to robustly addressing this issue.
The FAW aims to empower victims and foster a football community that stands united against discrimination in all its forms, providing its full support to those who encounter discrimination and hateful behaviour while participating in football.
As part of the updated Discrimination Regulations, the FAW has therefore launched a Victim Support Programme, working in partnership with Victim Support Cymru.
The Programme provides advice and support for individuals who have experienced discrimination in football, in addition to providing guidelines on the FAW’s process of investigating reports.
The FAW takes vigorous action in respect of investigating complaints of discrimination and anyone who is found guilty of any of the offences detailed in its Discrimination in Football Regulations will be liable to sanctions, in addition to undertaking an education workshop.
The FAW’s Senior Equality, Diversity, Inclusion, and Sustainability Manager, Jason Webber said: “At the Football Association of Wales, we believe in creating an inclusive, safe, and welcoming environment for everyone involved in the sport. Discrimination has no place in football, and our new Victim Support Programme is a crucial step towards supporting those affected by discriminatory behaviour.
“We are committed to not only fully investigating and addressing all cases of discrimination, but also educating and empowering the football community to stand united against all forms of discrimination. Together, we can create a game that is truly for everyone, everywhere in Wales.”
Wales Hate Support Centre Manager and Victim Support National Hate Crime Lead, Becca Rosenthal said: “Football is a unifying game, and everyone should be able to participate, whether as a spectator or playing a part in the match itself, without being targeted for who they are. Racism, homophobia and other types of prejudice and hostility towards someone’s identity should have no place in Football at all.
“We’re really thrilled to partner with the Football Association Wales to develop this programme, to ensure that anyone who is targeted for who they are with prejudice and hostility, is aware of their rights and of the independent support available to help them cope with what’s happened to them.”
Chief Executive of Victim Support Katie Kempen, said: “We want to see hate and prejudice kicked out of football and we are pleased to provide our help and support for the FAW as part of this programme. Anyone who has been affected by hateful behaviour in the game can contact our specialist service in confidence, 24/7.”
Anyone who has been affected by discrimination in football can contact Victim Support Cymru to receive free, confidential independent support.
The FAW’s Discrimination Regulations can be found here.
If you have any questions or require further support, please contact:
