By Paul Nicholson
April 30 – The composition of FIFA’s anti-racism taskforce is taking shape and although not yet officially announced, it includes a number of high profile and perhaps unexpected appointments from across a range of football activity.
From the playing side it is no surprise to see AC Milan midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng on the list. Boateng was a catalyst for the formation of the taskforce following his walk off during a friendly having been subjected to racist abuse.
He is joined by US international and AZ Alkmaar striker Jozy Altidore, whowas racially abused during a game against Den Bosch.
From the world of writing and commentary, football journalist and lawyer Osasu Obayiuwana – who is one of InsideWorldFootball’s weekly columnists – has also been appointed. He is joined by Italian journalist Gianni Merlo.
Others on the taskforce include English Football Association chairman David Bernstein – whose hand John Terry refused to shake during the recent symbolic handover of the Champions League trophy in London last week. Terry was convicted of racism by the FA in a high profile case that split English football on the issue. World Cup final referee Howard Webb will also be a member.
Theo Van Seggelen, the head of global players’ union FIFPro, Marcel Mathier, chairman of FIFA’s disciplinary committee, Claudio Sulser, former chairman of FIFA’s ethics committee, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay and Piara Powar, head of European anti-racism body Fare, complete the taskforce.
The taskforce will be chaired by CONCACAF president Jeffrey Webb (pictured) and will meet for the first time on May 6. It will make its initial report at FIFA’s annual congress on May 30-31.
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