13.03.2013

Kevin-Prince Boateng to take part in UN event

AC Milan player Kevin-Prince Boateng, who led teammates off the field to protest being abused by fans in January, will take part in a United Nations event next week discussing racism in sport.

The U.N.'s human rights office said Tuesday that Boateng and former France captain Patrick Vieira will attend its "Racism and Sport" discussion to mark the UN Day to Eliminate Racial Discrimination, on March 21.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay will open the 90-minute session at the UN's European headquarters in Geneva.

Boateng is also scheduled to meet FIFA President Sepp Blatter the next day in Zurich.

Blatter initially questioned Boateng's actions in walking off following racist abuse by fans of Italian fourth-tier team Pro Patria during a friendly match.

Blatter later praised Boateng's "courageous" stand and has created a FIFA anti-racism task force which could recommend tougher sanctions for clubs and national teams whose fans racially insult players.

FIFA is sending its head of social responsibility programmes, Federico Addiechi, to the Geneva meeting, the U.N. Office said.

The FARE network will be represented by Piara Powar, who is also scheduled to speak alongside former France captain Patrick Vieira, and William Gailliard, special advisor to Uefa President Michel Platini.

FARE have been commended by the UN for their work across Europe and the activities at Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine in partnership with UEFA.

The Euro activities, led by Warsaw-based group Never Again, saw a system of observers at each match.

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