Tokyo Sexwale’s failed bid for the Fifa presidency does not seem to have hurt his place within the organisation as the new boss of world football, Gianni Infantino, named his former rival as a jury member for a new award.
Sexwale, who withdrew before the final vote to avoid a humiliating hiding in the race to lead Fifa, is one of the first four of 11 jury members named for the Fifa Diversity Award, which the world football governing body has launched with the aim of recognising an outstanding organisation, group initiative or personality that is standing up for diversity and anti-discrimination in football.
“The Fifa statutes are unequivocal – there is no place for any kind of discrimination in football. We have started to work with special match observers to help us punish breaches of conduct in the World Cup qualifiers.
“However, another important element of fighting discrimination is proactive work and educational initiatives that foster and celebrate diversity in all its forms,” said Infantino in a statement.
“Racism and discrimination is a society problem. If we don’t stand up, if we allow racism to overpower sport, we will be doomed to existence in a hostile world,” said Sexwale in the same Fifa statement.
The former Gauteng premier also serves Fifa as chairman of a body that seeks to mediate between Israel and Palestine and also sits on Fifa’s media committee.
Sexwale was one of five candidates that stood for the Fifa presidency last month but before the vote he withdrew, having received no public support.
Infantino won the election.
Sexwale named jury member of newly launched Fifa Diversity Award
Sexwale, who withdrew before the final vote to avoid a humiliating hiding in the race to lead Fifa, is one of the first four of 11 jury members named for the Fifa Diversity Award, which the world football governing body has launched with the aim of recognising an outstanding organisation, group initiative or personality that is standing up for diversity and anti-discrimination in football.
“The Fifa statutes are unequivocal – there is no place for any kind of discrimination in football. We have started to work with special match observers to help us punish breaches of conduct in the World Cup qualifiers.
“However, another important element of fighting discrimination is proactive work and educational initiatives that foster and celebrate diversity in all its forms,” said Infantino in a statement.
“Racism and discrimination is a society problem. If we don’t stand up, if we allow racism to overpower sport, we will be doomed to existence in a hostile world,” said Sexwale in the same Fifa statement.
The former Gauteng premier also serves Fifa as chairman of a body that seeks to mediate between Israel and Palestine and also sits on Fifa’s media committee.
Sexwale was one of five candidates that stood for the Fifa presidency last month but before the vote he withdrew, having received no public support.
Infantino won the election.
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