The World Unites in Fair Play

Football Federation Australia and its Chairman, Mr Frank Lowy, appeal to players, referees, fans and officials throughout the country to help praise and promote the spirit of fair play on FIFA World Fair Play Day.

FIFA is holding the tenth World Fair Play Day over the week of 18 to 24 September 2006. These dates have been chosen to link this year’s events to another special celebration: the United Nations International Day of Peace (21 September 2006), an invitation to all nations and people to honour a cessation of hostilities around the world.

The football family therefore wishes to commemorate the International Day of Peace by using the wonderful game and – most notably – its annual Fair Play celebration. This initiative has the personal support of FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter.

“Fair Play is essential to our sport and to everyone involved in it,” declared Mr Frank Lowy. “We need to cherish and nurture the values of sporting spirit and work tirelessly to keep up the momentum. We are appealing to all football fans in Australia & New Zealand to help us celebrate FIFA Fair Play Day and the International Day of Peace successfully.”

President Blatter recognises the fundamental role of Fair Play in sport and the need to apply it to all sporting activities, including children’s activities.

“Children need strong values to grow up with, and football, being a team sport, makes them realize how essential discipline, respect, team spirit and fair play are for the game and for life,” he commented.

“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,” he said.

“The most common way of commemoration the International Day of Peace is by observing and moment of silence or holding a special ceremony,” the FIFA President added. “FIFA would like to encourage its member associations to do this by gathering around a football pitch, highlighting the values of Fair Play, and reminding the football family of the meaning of peace and the need for commitment to its realization.”

This is the tenth FIFA Fair Play Day to be celebrated since its introduction in 1997 and the third time that it will be linked to the International Day of Peace. In previous years, activities have been held in dozens of countries around the world, from grass roots to top-flight football in many community-based projects.

Football Federation Australia and the Hyundai A-League clubs will show their support for the 2006 FIFA Fair Play Day during Round Five of the Hyundai A-League in the following manner:

• The FIFA Fair Play Flag will accompany the Hyundai A-League teams onto the field of play
• The captains of each team will read a declaration of support for Fair Play prior to team handshakes
• After the pre-match handshake the teams will be pose for a combined photo
• At the conclusion of the match the teams will participate in the FIFA post-match handshake procedure