Hindus want FIFA to address continuing racism
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Zed Rajan
LAS VEGAS — Some Hindus feel that Federation Internationale de Football Association has failed to control the incidents of racism and should be disciplined.
Universal Society of Hinduism President Rajan Zed issued a statement claiming racist chants heard during a match between AC Milan and Roma on May 12, and prior to that racist chants reportedly occurred during a January match between Milan and Pro Patria.
Zed said it is 2013 and the prevalence of racism and discrimination in sports is not acceptable. He urges intervention by FIFA, which “promises” to use “football as a symbol of hope and integration” and promoting “solidarity, regardless of gender, ethnic background, faith or culture.” FIFA has failed to deliver, Zed said.
Zed urges His Holiness Pope Francis and other religious leaders of the world to come out openly against racism in sports as we were all equal in the eyes of God.
FIFA President Joseph Blatter and Secretary General Jerome Valcke lead the international governing body in Zurich.
