The Italian government and the Italian Football Association (FIGC) have joined forces in a significant step to tackle anti-Semitism in football. In an effort to combat this issue, the joint initiative will lead to the prohibition of the number 88 on football shirts in Italy, as reported by DW.
This move is part of a broader initiative that includes the introduction of a code of ethics aligned with the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance. The objective is to establish a comprehensive framework for addressing anti-Semitic incidents within the football community. The package of measures also encompasses concrete actions such as empowering referees to suspend matches in which acts of anti-Semitism occur, as stated in the DW report.
The signing of the letter of intent to implement these measures took place on Tuesday (June 27), and during the ceremony, Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi emphasized the significance of this response. He described it as an appropriate and effective measure against an intolerable prejudice that still unfortunately reveals itself far too frequently within football stadiums.
This joint effort between the Italian government and the FIGC reflects a firm commitment to eradicating anti-Semitism in football and fostering an inclusive environment that upholds the values of respect, equality, and dignity for all participants and spectators.
