Labour MP John Mann has been invited by the Prime Minister to represent the All-Party Parliamentary Group Against Antisemitism to attend today’s summit on Racism in Football.  This follows John Mann’s establishing and chairing a working group with the FA on Tackling Antisemitism and Islamophobia in Football and his recent submission to the DCMS Select Committee special inquiry into football and racism which highlight his concerns and future recommendations.  At today’s meeting he will be saying: 

·         The FA has a good track record of combating racism in football, but like many bureaucratic bodies it is slow and over-cautious.

·         Systemic issues need addressing including the defective system of handling discrimination cases whereby the FA act as police, judge and executioner and the inability to enforce change at club level leading to cycles of abdication of responsibility.

·         There is a continuing gap in information, referees have no incentive to report incidents or turn up to hearings and rarely discover the outcome of hearings and simplification is required

·         Arrangements for periodic, strategic review of FA reporting systems should be introduced

·         A number of good processes are in place to prepare for international tournaments, relevant anti-racism organisations and experts could however be better consulted and incorporated into forward-planning.

·         The FA should take a greater lead in FIFA and UEFA not just sharing best practice but demonstrating real leadership on issues of racism and antisemitism.

·         The FA should consider how they can work with clubs strategically and communicate websites like True Vision to supporters.

·         Creative thinking should be encouraged from all football authorities on demonstrating positive leadership, helping to reducing community tension and isolate its instigators.

·         Examples of football legislation should be examined for best practice.

More needs to be done to discipline those who are racially abusive in the grassroots game

John Mann said “I welcome the Prime Minister’s summit on racism in football.  By dealing with this issue at the highest level gives out the message that racist actions and behaviour both on and off the pitch are intolerable and informs wider society of the standards we should be setting ourselves.  It is important that the best practices we have already uncovered are not overlooked. I look forward to its recommendations and hope that it will provide the necessary stimulus for change”.