FIFA have disbanded its anti-racism taskforce, introduced in 2013, deeming the job to complete.
Concerns remain going into the 2018 World Cup in Russia, where there have been a number of racist incidents but according to the Guardian, FIFA have informed members of the taskforce that it has "completely fulfilled its temporary mission" and that it "is hereby dissolved and no longer in operation."
The governing body came up with the force back in 2013, with the aim of tackling racism or at least reducing the amount of incidents in the game. But the scheme will no longer be implemented, with FIFA's diversity and anti-discrimination manager Gerard Dembowski writing to taskforce members.
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He wrote:
"The Fifa Task Force Against Racism and Discrimination was set up with your help on a temporary basis to develop recommendations for Fifa. We are therefore delighted to inform you that all of the task force's recommendations have been implemented and all resulting projects are ongoing"
Taskforce member Osasu Obayiuwana was not happy when informed, although he says he is not surprised by the news.
I wish I could say that I am shocked by the decision, but unfortunately I am not. The problem of racism in football remains a burning, very serious and topical one, which need continuous attention. I personally think there remained a lot of very serious work for the task force to have done - the 2018 World Cup in Russia being one such matter. But it is evident the Fifa administration takes a different position."
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According to research, there were 92 reported incidents of discrimination in Russia in the 2014-15 campaign but FIFA obviously feel as though racism has officially ended.
It's fair to say the majority of football fans were baffled by the news.
So there you have it, FIFA have ended racism. Nice one, lads.
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(h/t The Guardian)
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Football, FIFA, 2018 World Cup, Russia
