Fare Observer training for Euro 2016 in Paris
Over 30 specialists from across Europe met in Paris, France, to participate in the Fare Observer training for the UEFA Euro 2016 finals this summer.
The 34 participants have been recruited as experts from the countries represented in the Euro 2016 as part of the Fare observer scheme at the tournament. Observers will draw on their own experience in country-specific fan culture and information received at the training to identify discriminatory incidents such as discriminatory chanting, displays of far-right banners, signs and other discriminatory activities during the matches.
Monitoring racist and discriminatory incidents at football matches has been a key element of the Fare programme since the UEFA Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine. At club international level the system has been in place for over three seasons, since its launch in 2013.
Fare believes that tackling racism and discrimination in football requires a multi-facetted approach combining educational activities, disciplinary measures and encouraging self-regulation amongst fans.
At the tournament, two observers will be deployed per match to monitor designated games and record discriminatory incidents as and when they happen. The observers match reports enable Fare to build an accurate picture of the levels of discrimination inside European stadiums and provide information to the disciplinary processes of European football governing body UEFA.
The training, held at the headquarters of the French Football Federation, is part of the UEFA Responsibility and Sustainability framework for the Euro 2016. The programme comprises five strands of social principles including "Respect Access for All", "Respect Diversity", "Respect Fan Culture", "Respect Environment" and "Respect Health".
Latest News Articles

Another season of homophobia and ineffective responses in France
Why is homophobia such a persistent issue in French football? It’s a question on the minds of a growing number of people. Despite initiatives…

Five years after George Floyd
Five years ago this week George Floyd was murdered in Minneapolis.

Statement from the Fare network on the English FA and Scottish FA bans on trans women
The Fare network is disappointed at the decisions announced today by the English Football Association (FA) and the Scottish FA (SFA) to ban…

BLOG: Rafael Villanueva on challenging homophobic football culture in Mexico
“Poll after poll of the population shows the disregard most Mexicans have towards the LGBTIQ+ community. Homophobia is normalised from abuse, to human rights violations, to murder.”

Policy and Research Intern – Human Rights and World Cup 2026
Time Commitment: 3–4 days per week Duration: 6-8 weeks Overview We are seeking a motivated and highly literate intern to support our work on issues…

Bologna hosts the radical joy of the Giochi Antiracist Games this June
The Bonori sports centre in Bologna will become the vibrant heart of something different when between June 20th and 22nd the Giochi Antirazzisti takes…

Another season of homophobia and ineffective responses in France
Why is homophobia such a persistent issue in French football? It’s a question on the minds of a growing number of people. Despite initiatives…

Five years after George Floyd
Five years ago this week George Floyd was murdered in Minneapolis.

Statement from the Fare network on the English FA and Scottish FA bans on trans women
The Fare network is disappointed at the decisions announced today by the English Football Association (FA) and the Scottish FA (SFA) to ban…

BLOG: Rafael Villanueva on challenging homophobic football culture in Mexico
“Poll after poll of the population shows the disregard most Mexicans have towards the LGBTIQ+ community. Homophobia is normalised from abuse, to human rights violations, to murder.”

Policy and Research Intern – Human Rights and World Cup 2026
Time Commitment: 3–4 days per week Duration: 6-8 weeks Overview We are seeking a motivated and highly literate intern to support our work on issues…

Bologna hosts the radical joy of the Giochi Antiracist Games this June
The Bonori sports centre in Bologna will become the vibrant heart of something different when between June 20th and 22nd the Giochi Antirazzisti takes…

Another season of homophobia and ineffective responses in France
Why is homophobia such a persistent issue in French football? It’s a question on the minds of a growing number of people. Despite initiatives…

Five years after George Floyd
Five years ago this week George Floyd was murdered in Minneapolis.