The new soccer season has only just begun. Unfortunately, a number of racist incidents immediately took place. Volkskrant published an article about the anti-discrimination program of the KNVB (Royal Dutch Football Association) in which Prof. Dr. Jacco van Sterkenburg, Endowed Professor 'Race', Inclusion and Communication, speaks. Jacco praises the focus of the KNVB on awareness through campaigns and training programs on discrimination and diversity: "Without awareness, management and fans are less willing to tackle it."
'Our soccer is for everyone' is the KNVB's most comprehensive anti-discrimination program ever. The program consists of an app that allows supporters to report discrimination, stadium bans up to twenty years, smart technology in stadiums to detect offenders better and faster and awareness through campaigns and training programs on discrimination and diversity. The Dutch government and the KNVB set aside 14 million euros for this in early 2020. We asked Jacco van Sterkenburg about the strengths and weaknesses of the KNVB approach.
What are the best aspects of the KNVB's anti-discrimination program?
"It is unique that so much money has been made available by the government for the fight against racism and discrimination in soccer. That is a very strong point. I like the mix between preventive measures and sanctioning. One of the projects focusses on making fans more aware of the possible effect of their slogans at the stadium.
The Fair Play Project is very relevant as well. I attended this myself once when it took place at Feyenoord. These are interactive sessions of a few hours in which, for example, school classes deal with various forms of discrimination. These sessions are organized in collaboration with the Anne Frank House. With the help of video games that children often play, they are made aware of discrimination. In addition, group discussions take place in which professional footballers also participate."
"Media can confirm racial stereotypes and thus be a breeding ground for racism, but they can also play a role in counteracting stereotypes and in actions against racism."
What topics receive too little attention at the KNVB and in politics?
"More attention can be paid to the low ethnic and gender diversity in leadership positions in Dutch soccer - both professional and recreational, to online racism and to coaching. Furthermore, it seems difficult to involve (professional) players in projects concerning racism."
In your opinion, what anti-discrimination approach in soccer is still missing at the KNVB or in politics?
"The role of the mainstream media remains underexposed, while most people follow soccer through TV or radio. Media can confirm racial stereotypes and thus be a breeding ground for racism, but they can also play a role in counteracting stereotypes and in actions against racism. Online racism is also a growing problem, especially during major events. The KNVB is going to take action against online racism.
In-depth research into the breeding grounds of racism in the world of soccer is desirable. And more knowledge is needed about the reasons why there is so little change in diversity in leadership positions in soccer, despite great promises. That knowledge is needed to create more effective policy."
Jacco van Sterkenburg's research is part of the Special Chair 'Race, Inclusion and Communication, specifically in relation to soccer and television' at the Erasmus School of History, Culture and Communication. This chair is supported by soccer partners UEFA, Fare and FIFPRO.
- More information
For more information on the research, you can visit the projectwebsite.
You can read the Volkskrant-article here.