Racism, ethnic discrimination and social exclusion in sport

New report from the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) investigates racism, ethnic discrimination and the exclusion of migrants and minorities in sport across the European Union.

The report, titled “Racism, ethnic discrimination and exclusion of migrants and minorities in sport: a comparative overview of the situation in the EU”, is the result of the first EU wide research on the topic. The report draws on the findings of 27 studies conducted in all EU member states.

The research findings identify incidents of racism, anti-Semitism and anti-Gypsyism in both amateur and professional sport across the EU member states, but the report concludes that there is a reluctance to recognise such incidents – especially in amateur sports.

The report also highlights that, across the EU, ethnic minorities and migrants – especially women and girls with an ethnic minority background – are generally underrepresented in sports and even though there have been some progress in recent years, limited attention seems to be paid to this fact.

In order to address this issue of racism in sport, the report suggests that Equality Bodies and National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) should play an active role, for example by supporting sports federations and clubs in developing awareness-raising activities, providing support to potential victims of racist incidents or, where this is permitted, participating in legal action against perpetrators.

Download the full report "Racism, ethnic discrimination and exclusion of migrants and minorities in sport: a comparative overview of the situation in the EU” here

Download the info-sheet on Racism, Ethnic Discrimination and Social Exclusion in Sport here

For more information visit the FRA website