A Monitoring Report on ensuring the right to equality and combating discrimination in football was prepared

In recent years, unpleasant incidents of discrimination and racism have been observed in the global football arena, along with unethical behavior by fans directed at members of opposing teams and referees. Unfortunately, similar cases have also been recorded in some football games being held in our country. Such cases are a cause of concern because of their open violation of the essence of football based on mutual respect, the equality principle and fundamental values of sport, and the respect for human rights. 

Guided by the incoming applications to the Ombudsman of Azerbaijan and information released in the media, the employees of the Ombudsman Institution conducted independent monitoring to examine the overall situation regarding the implementation of equality in sports events, particularly, in football games. 

During the monitoring, the existing national legislation and international documents prohibiting discrimination in sport games and FIFA and UEFA recognized standarts, along with the disciplinary decisions by the Azerbaijan Football Federation Association (AFFA) and other related sources, were examined; recommendations and suggestions were made.   

The monitoring shows that a number of significant measures for preventing discrimination and ensuring equality in sport, especially in football, have been undertaken. In addition, the sustainability of those measures and further development of a systematic approach remain relevant.

Provided that Azerbaijan is recognized as a sport country, which also hosts popular sport competitions at the international level, and that the FIFA U-20 World Cup will be hosted by our country in 2027, strenghthening actions to implement the right to equality in sport events, especially in football games, and to prevent discrimination, as well as the application of preventive mechanisms, are of utmost importance.  

Based on the monitoring findings, a monitoring Report on ensuring the right to equality and combating discrimination in football was prepared and submitted to the corresponding authorities. The report provides the analysis of the current situation and recommendations and suggestions for the implementation of the right to equality and non-discrimination. 

The text of the report can be found here.