The Austrian parliament made a statement against racism in football on Tuesday in anticipation of UEFA EURO 2008™ in the country this summer.
Tolerance
Leading parliamentary officials invited figures from the worlds of sport and politics to the anti-racism event which sent out a clear message of tolerance in the build-up to the football finals. The gathering at the parliament buildings in Vienna was the initiative of the president of the national assembly, Barbara Prammer, together with second and third presidents, Dr Michael Spindelegger and Dr Eva Glawischnig.
Widespread support
It was organised in co-operation with UEFA's long-time partner, the Football Against Racism in Europe movement, and drew support from federal chancellor Dr Alfred Gusenbauer, Austrian Football Association general secretary Alfred Ludwig, EURO co-ordinator Heinz Palme and Austria's tournament director Christian Schmölzer. To cap the occasion, a friendly match took place involving players from Viennese clubs with an international background and also prominent footballers such as SK Rapid Wien's Steffen Hofmann.
Tolerance
Leading parliamentary officials invited figures from the worlds of sport and politics to the anti-racism event which sent out a clear message of tolerance in the build-up to the football finals. The gathering at the parliament buildings in Vienna was the initiative of the president of the national assembly, Barbara Prammer, together with second and third presidents, Dr Michael Spindelegger and Dr Eva Glawischnig.
Widespread support
It was organised in co-operation with UEFA's long-time partner, the Football Against Racism in Europe movement, and drew support from federal chancellor Dr Alfred Gusenbauer, Austrian Football Association general secretary Alfred Ludwig, EURO co-ordinator Heinz Palme and Austria's tournament director Christian Schmölzer. To cap the occasion, a friendly match took place involving players from Viennese clubs with an international background and also prominent footballers such as SK Rapid Wien's Steffen Hofmann.
