What Uefa knows, that Fifa doesn’t…

In a couple of months, Europe will once again enjoy the big party of a European Football Championship, this time hosted by both Poland and Ukraine.

June will be dedicated to this tournament, where 16 countries compete for one title and Millions of viewers, supporters and fans from all over the continent will make it an unforgettable event.

To make sure that everybody truly can enjoy the game of football, the performances of the stars and the atmosphere in and around the stadiums, the decision-makers in both hosting countries are taking their responsibility.

In September last year Poland’s president has approved legislation stepping up security and banning most alcoholic beverages from mass events ahead of the 2012 European Championship.

The regulations signed by President Bronislaw include measures like the extension of prison terms and the increase of fines for breaches of the law during large-scale gatherings and represent a tightening of existing security measures.

Of course, the alcohol industry was lobbying hard to avoid this legislation.

They come as the country tries to send a message that it will not tolerate the kind of violence that has plagued football matches in Poland in recent years.

The new law states that beverages sold in and around the stadiums during Euro 2012 matches can contain no more than 3.5 per cent of alcohol. Most beers in Poland have an alcohol level of four per cent or more.

The director of the UEFA Event SA, Martin Kallen even made clear: “Alcohol and sport eliminate each other so it is logic that its selling will be limited during the EURO 2012.”

This unmistakable stance is a clear sign that Uefa, in contrast to Fifa, is keen on implementing the values it says to promote into reality: Uefa’s 11 key values contain “football first”, “unity and leadership”, “youth protection and education”, and “respect”.

Experts and scientific evidence also support the banning of the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages at stadiums.

There is a clear connection between alcohol use and violent acts – known from many countries who struggle with violence in sports arenas, but also beyond sports: alcohol use is related to child abuse and neglect and to domestic violence. Alcohol use is also related to violence in other nightlife environments.

The measures are even supported by football stars like Andrey Shevchenko, who said: “I think that this decision is correct. In Italy, for example, you cannot buy alcohol at the sports arenas. Football can be watched when you’re sober, it is no less interesting.”

I wonder, and with me the members of IOGT international: what is it Fifa is missing here?

Players, police, football officials, scientific evidence and people, all are clear on the fact that football is safer, better, more enjoyable when it is set free from alcohol.

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For more reading:

Our Press release in PDF about “Fifa for violence”

Progress in the prevention of injuries in the WHO European Region: Poland: Summary of country assessment

Overview Alcohol Policy in Poland, 2008, by PARPA

Country Profile Poland, 2009, European Commission: Alcohol and Health, alcohol policy, patterns of alcohol use, health consequences

Country Profile Poland, 2011, WHO: Alcohol and Health, alcohol policy, patterns of alcohol use, health consequences

Country Profile Ukraine, 2011, WHO: Alcohol and Health, alcohol policy, patterns of alcohol use, health consequences

Report: “Football violence in Europe” An Executive summary on Alcohol and Football violence

Alcohol and footbal violence

WHO European Region report: Alcohol and Inter-personal violence

“Drinks, drugs and thugs“, 2001, by the Institute of Alcohol Studies, London

WHO facts on “Alcohol and Youth violence“

Report: “Reducing harm in drinking environments. Evidence and Practice in Europe” and a fact sheet

The harm of alcohol marketing

The issue in the media: Telegraph UK & Euro 2012 news

Tags: Europe, Evidence, Life-set-free, Poland, Society, Sports, Ukraine, WHO