FIFA to hold conference on racism in sport

Soccer's world governing body FIFA is to hold a world conference on the problem of racism in the sport in the face of growing concern at the increase in violence and racist-related incidents.

FIFA, who announced the decision on Friday, said the conference will be held on July 6 in the framework of its Extraordinary Congress in Buenos Aires.

"Delegates from some 200 national associations will participate in a brainstorming session in order to find practical solutions to stamp out this deplorable phenomenon," FIFA said in a statement.

The conference will be supported by anti-racism organisations in positions to advise associations on their different perceptions of the problem, as well as key football players and other personalities who will share their own personal experiences and insights.

"Football has the ability to convey not only the message that racism is intolerable in football, but also that it is unacceptable in society at large," said FIFA president Joseph Blatter.

"We sincerely hope that the exchange of views in Buenos Aires will come up with some effective ways of combating this scourge and preventing it spreading to countries not yet affected."