Kick It Out 'perplexed' by Fifa's decision to disband anti-racism taskforce

Kick It Out has pronounced itself “perplexed” with Fifa’s decision to disband its anti-racism task force.

The Fifa Taskforce Against Racism and Discrimination has been in place since 2013 but football’s governing body confirmed on Sunday that the task force’s work was “complete” despite ongoing fears of discriminatory fear at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

But Kick It Out, the equality and inclusion organisation established in 1997 to build on the work of the ‘Let’s Kick Racism Out of Football’ charity, believe the decision to be deeply concerning with less than two years until the World Cup kicks off.

“Kick It Out is perplexed with the decision from Fifa to disband its anti-racism task force,” the organisation said in a statement.

“This comes at a time when there is clear evidence that discrimination, prejudice and hate are on the rise in developed societies, particularly in Europe but also in different forms across the world. Football should seek to lead the way in combating such intrusions.

“It is clear that organisations that are actively campaigning against racism and discrimination will be deeply disheartened to hear news of the disbandment, as they look to FIFA for leadership in a game which is so popular across the world.

“This is also ahead of FIFA hosting the 2018 World Cup in Russia, a country which is notorious for racism and abusive activities towards minorities.