FIFA recognises the fundamental role of fair play and respect in sport and the need to apply them to all sporting activities, including children’s activities.
“Children need strong values to grow up with and football, being a team sport, makes them realise how essential discipline, respect, team spirit and fair play are for the game and for life,” President Blatter says.
“FIFA’s Fair Play campaign involves much more than simply promoting fair play on the pitch during a competition. FIFA is committed to encouraging fair play in society too, beginning with our future – with children.”
The fair play principles of world football’s governing body will be the focus of attention once again over the coming days in dozens of stadiums around the world in the race to score points in national and international games.
“I expect players, officials and fans to set a perfect example of fair play,” Blatter emphasises.
He says it is even more important in vital matches such as these to uphold the values of fair play.
“These matches must epitomise fair play. They should encapsulate the sporting, moral and ethical principles for which FIFA has always stood and leave a lasting impression.”
In Europe, UEFA will join FIFA in promoting the Fair Play Days in official games via its “Respect” campaign.
These are the 14th annual FIFA Fair Play Days to be celebrated since their introduction in 1997. They have come to feature prominently on the international match calendar in the past few 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.
Story and photo courtesy of FIFA.
For more on the world game visit www.fifa.com