Barcelona Insert Anti-Racism Clause Into David Villa’s Contract
By Chris Wright
Anti-racism charity Kick It Out have revealed that the contract David Villa signed when he joined Barcelona last month included a ground-breaking ‘anti-discrimination’ clause, that the organisation hope will now be included in every future deal made within professional football.
The clause stipulates that; ‘The player will not express or carry out, in any form, discriminatory ideas or acts, either during football games or in any club duties. The club will strongly condemn any discriminatory or racist act according to the agreement.’
Barca themselves have already vowed to insert the clause into all of their future contacts, with club president Joan Laporta confirming;
“It is the first time that a contract has been signed with an anti-racism clause included as introduced by the European Club Association, from now on we will include it in all new contracts.”
Director of Kick It Out, Piara Powar, described the move as ‘symbolic’, and has indicated he wants to see more of the same, saying:
“To have this clause within the contract of elite performers like David Villa sends out a categorical message.”
Hear hear.
Not that a legal caveat should be needed to prevent prejudice – but, as I’m sure you’ll agree, it’s a step in the right direction.
Now, if only Kick It Out could ensure that all the hate-spewing racist ‘fans’ worldwide have to sign similar documents upon entry to games…
Named And Shamed: 37 English Clubs Offering Unpaid Jobs – Sporting Intelligence
2013 Champions League Final Viewing Companion – Dirty Tackle
Very Best Of ESPN FC's Toe Poke Blog 2012/13
The 'Transfer Talks' Flowchart – Football Cliches
Remembering Ivan Turina – A Football Report
Moyes Has Done Sod All To Deserve United Job – Johnny Nic For F365
Anfield: The Victims, The Anger And The Shameful Truth – Guardian
The A-Z Of Football Boot Brands – The Boot Room
Man Utd Coach Delivers Opinion On Rooney's Form – Off The Post
19 Rules Of Playing Football When You're A Kid – BuzzFeed
I don’t see the big deal here.
Is there really a problem in the game in this sense?
Any racist comments that I recall have been on the pitch and never get proven or are just hearsay from what I’ve seen.
There are miles more important things to worry about in football, imo.
In a league still known for monkey calls, it’s probably a good move.
It’s ‘hear hear’, not ‘here here’.
It seems less ground-breaking and more Spain joining the 21st century.
Quality news. As jamatthews says – great to see Spain actually making moves to CHANGE. (Or more so a Catalan club). Once again, Barca using their clout in the right way. First Unicef and then this first?
I LOVE BARCA. (Remember – Real with all their money choose to promote a gambling site). Congratulatios to Barca in trying to show discrimination will not be tolerated, as the Castillians once (and some say still do) towards Catalans.
i mean, i agree with the sentiment but racism is far more of a problem amoungst fans than the players, or so it seems. barca are the most self-righteous club in the world so it’s hard not to be little bit cynical about their motivations. writing a rule into their contract really just makes them fear for their bank balance not the actual ethics of the situation.
let me get this straight.
say david kicks up a stink, gets sick of barca, however unlikely.
all he has to do is racially attack someone and he’s released? or does he receive a fine?
Maybe they should try having that clause on their fans tickets too.
How about a clause that prohibits players or anyone on their behalf including without limitation agents from engaging in transfer discussion with another team during the contract term?
[...] his home country of the Ivory Coast. And now, Barcelona’s David Villa has had an innovative anti-racism clause put into his contract. It is a legally binding agreement on the part of Villa not to engage in [...]
[...] Barcelona Insert Anti-Racism Clause Into David Villa’s Contract ? Who Ate all the Pies [...]
bad thing they didnt insert it in busquets and suarez’s contracts…