Hungarian footballer participates in newly-launched UEFA campaign

2017. szeptember. 15., 18:07 |

UEFA has launched a new UEFA RESPECT social responsibility campaign under the banner #EqualGame, which will positively promote inclusion, diversity and accessibility in football throughout Europe. Alongside some of world football’s biggest stars, István Szabó – a blind footballer for LÁSS SE –has also been selected as part of the campaign.

UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin believes European football’s governing body should be a social fair play organisation, meaning UEFA has a zero-tolerance stance on racism, sexism, homophobia or any form of discrimination.

"It is vitally important that UEFA makes football accessible for everyone and, through the power of sport, becomes a global leader to fight for social equality. The new #EqualGame initiative aims to help to bring the football community closer together and ensure that values such as inclusion, gender equality and the fight against discrimination continue to be at the forefront of UEFA’s vision and beliefs” he said at the launch of the initiative.

The main message of the social media campaign – which has the full support of the Hungarian Football – comprises of a short film which will be shown at every UEFA event throughout the course of the 2017/18 season.

One of those collaborating in the campaign is Hungarian István Szabó, who despite losing his sight hasn’t given up on playing football, and regularly takes to the pitch as captain of Budapest team LÁSS Egyesület.

The UEFA initiative is also supported by some of the world’s greatest and most popular players.

“People all over the world are different, but we all can find common ground in our love of football. This means football belongs to everyone, and we all should have the chance to play and enjoy it.” – Paul Pogba

“I am convinced that the positive power of football can help to bring the world and its peoples together. It doesn’t matter who you are, where you come from, or how well you can play. Football is for everyone” – Cristiano Ronaldo

“Football acts as a leveller in our society. Whilst everyone is different we're all united by a common passion for a sport that truly belongs to each and every one of us. I'm fully behind UEFA's #EqualGame campaign because I believe in the immense power of the sport and its ability to change our outlook on the world." – Lionel Messi

Further details on the UEFA campaign can be found on the official uefa.com website, whilst the campaign video can be viewed on the MLSZ Facebook page.