FIFA concerned by xenophobic attacks in SA
May 22nd, 2008
Thanks for alerting us to this mama:
The Football world governing body FIFA has expressed concern over this week’s wave of the xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
It, however, hoped the World Cup tournament’s “unifying power” could help to overcome divisions, FIFA spokesperson Delia Fisher said today. She said the football body was saddened by the loss of life and injuries incurred during the attacks.
“We are obviously concerned about this issue and hope that the FIFA World Cup and it’s unifying power will help to overcome these divisions.” Fisher, however, said it was not FIFA’s role as a sports federation to comment on matters of national sovereignty and domestic affairs.
She said Fifa would use the power of football to fight any form of discrimination, racism and violence. The football body had confidence in the South African authorities to resolve this issue. ( SABC)
May 22nd, 2008 12:38
I hope this focuses South African minds. They are going to have to take the “step up” and think regionally.
May 22nd, 2008 12:40
Just an aside, but why don’t MDC ask the Chinese for a bodyguard for MRT? They have a vested interest in us. Maybe they would oblige? After all when he is President, he signs off the purchases, the investments etc.
May 22nd, 2008 13:05
Does anyone have or know Delia Fisher’s email address?
May 22nd, 2008 13:07
FIFA Media Department
Delia Fischer
Tel.: +41-43/222 7272
Fax: +41-43/222 7373
E-mail: media@fifa.org
May 22nd, 2008 13:26
There’s a new report published by the Solidarity Peace Trust yesterday with a lenghy coverage of events and violence.
http://www.zwnews.com/SPTpunishandsilence.pdf
May 22nd, 2008 17:34
ZIM 2010
Now that its inevitable fro MDC to win. FIFA should just consider ZImbabwe for 2010 hosting. Mbeki wont admit there is a crissis in SA so he wont solve the xenophobic issues. Rufaro already has an artificial turf. National sports is being renovated. We will just need to add or renovate Sakubva and Ascot. BF Is ok.. VIVA 2010 ZIM
May 23rd, 2008 08:04
I hope the xenophobia attacks shakes President Thabo Mbeki from his sleep.I have never seen such a confused leader; he is continually in denial of every problem that happens around. Everyone knows that Nigerians are the lords of the criminal world in South Africa – drugs, prostitution, money laundering and corruption.South Africans are tired of waiting for the government to do something about it. It really has nothing to do with Ubuntu! We are fed up!!!!!!!!
May 23rd, 2008 10:36
@Imani Idani
I can understand that the problems in SA are overwhelming. But its no justification to kill, beat and rape human beings. I’m sorry but take your anger and address government people who are responsible for the situation. Why always violence…
May 24th, 2008 11:14
Violence is not good at all!! I hate violence, but I do not think anybody who has been hijacked twice, robbed in his own home, robbed at gun-point in broad daylight in a public place and has failed to bring anybody to book despite a good description of the perpetrators to the police will ever listen to reason.The government is with them!! That is why it is even removing the Scorpions so that they can do all they want without interference.
May 24th, 2008 11:54
I’m sorry that this was done to you. But you suggest that all criminials in SA are foreigners and you justify violence done to them in the name of ‘people justice’. Have you never got any other ideas to address it?Violence for more violence? What does it bring? Its just stupid and self-destruction…a lot of innocent victims.