The Queer Football Fan Clubs (QFF) has announced the extension of its network to non-fan organisations. The main aim of this change which was agreed at QFF’s 13th International Conference held between 6-8 September in Karlsruhe, Germany was to allow the organisation to engage with a larger audience and to help make a stronger and effective stand against homophobia within European football.

The first organisation that met the new criteria was the German association ‘Fußballfans gegen Homophobia e. V’ that tackles sexism and gender based discrimination in society and football.

QFF’s spokesman Dirk Brüllau described the organisation’s new policy as a step forward in NGOs joining forces to tackle homophobic behaviour.

Dirk also welcomed the addition of the Dutch LGBT football fan club, ‘The Roze Règâhs’ to the network as the first non-German speaking group.

“QFF becomes even more international as ‘The Roze Règâhs’ from the Netherlands joins our organisation”, said Dirk, the spokesman of the European LGBT football supporters’ network.

During the meeting, other supporter groups also joined the network including RuhrZebras (MSV Duisburg) and QueerFox (SC Freiburg). These new members have helped increase QFF’s membership to 25 member organisations that now reach out to around 1,000 fans.

“Through its members QFF will give guidance about the implementation of the ‘Berlin Declaration’ and will assist all groups in fan related matters”, Dirk Brüllau added.

The ‘Berlin Declaration, which was signed earlier this year’ marked the commitment of the German Football Association and several football clubs to tackle homophobia in the sport. The subheading of the declaration read: "Together against homophobia. For diversity, respect and acceptance in sport."

QFF’s next International Conference will be held between 10-12th January 2014 in Cologne.