NEW YORK - Major League Soccer will support FIFA in taking a firm stand against racism by taking part in a worldwide SAY NO TO RACISM Day on Saturday, July 1.
FIFA, soccer's international governing body, has created its anti-racism initiative to promote the diversity and richness of soccer around the world, and to emphasize that racism and discrimination have no place in the sport or in the world.
To help support this measure, Major League Soccer teams will take the field during their games on July 1 along with children carrying banners bearing the FIFA "Say No to Racism" logo. In addition, MLS stadiums hosting games that day will display field boards promoting the event as well.
"With players born in 44 different countries, our League reflects the broad range of ethnicities that love the game of soccer and that live in the United States," MLS Commissioner Don Garber said. "We applaud FIFA's ongoing efforts to fight racism and use soccer as a means of fostering cross-cultural understanding. We are glad to participate in "Say No to Racism Day."
The 'Say No to Racism' Day will also be observed in Germany during Saturday's FIFA World Cup quarterfinal matches on June 30 and July 1.
Major League Soccer has a no-tolerance policy toward racism. MLS is committed to a League environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. The League prohibits and will not tolerate any discrimination or harassment on the basis of race.
