Football, the world’s most popular sport, is facing a series of decisions lately that reflect a moral and ethical crisis off the pitch, where safety is at stake. This month, the city councils of San Sebastian (Spain) and Amsterdam (Netherlands) have taken controversial measures, calling (unsuccessfully) for a ban on the arrival of visiting fans of Ajax and Lazio, respectively, for their Europa League matches. These decisions, far from going unnoticed, have ignited a debate about the direction of European football and UEFA’s stance not on these restrictions, but on why these governmental decisions are being taken.
The San Sebastian City Council asked to prevent Ajax fans from arriving for Thursday’s match, citing security concerns following violence by Ajax fans at recent matches. In the end, some 2,000 fans travelled in a minor police charge. Similarly, Amsterdam is keen to take a strong stance in refusing to allow Lazio fans to visit for the 12 December match on the grounds that their ultras have been associated with disruptive behaviour and violent acts linked to the ultra-right.
These restrictions reflect a growing fear on the part of local authorities of the possibility of unrest that could affect the safety of residents and public order in their cities. However, this decision also raises uncomfortable questions about where the football party that should be held in the stands is going and whether European football can be considered an inclusive and global event today.
UEFA’S POSITION
UEFA, European football’s highest governing body, has historically defended the right of fans to travel and support their teams. On numerous occasions, it has stressed that football should be a vehicle for unity and not a pretext for exclusion or conflict. However, these local decisions put UEFA in a difficult position in view of the obvious concerns of the cities about the security measures to be taken.
On the one hand, UEFA respects the sovereignty of local authorities and their decisions on public security. On the other hand, there is, for the time being, a lack of forceful response to try to eradicate these fears. The case of Ajax and Lazio is not an isolated incident. More and more European cities have opted to limit the entry of away fans at high-risk matches. This raises a fundamental question: is football still a place for everyone?
EDUCATION AND ACTION
Instead of banning the arrival of fans, it seems more coherent to take measures that combine prevention and education, with campaigns to promote responsible behaviour among supporters, starting with the football clubs themselves. UEFA and the national associations should lead an active dialogue with clubs and authorities to find solutions that do not involve exclusion, but rather the integration of fans in a safe and respectful framework.
UEFA has the opportunity to take a proactive role, defending both safety and the right of fans to experience football as a complete experience. UEFA must preserve the sport and ensure that it is not used as an instrument for behaviour that has nothing to do with football.
