World Soccer Federation Assures ADL Anti-Semitism is Unacceptable
FIFA Seeks to Distance the Sport from a Romanian Racist
New York, New York, Aug. 16, 1999 … Soccer’s top international ruling
federation has condemned the anti-Semitism of a Romanian soccer official, assuring the
Anti-Defamation League (ADL) that the sport will not condone any form of prejudice from
its membership and promising to investigate the matter.
The Swiss-based Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) condemned the
racist activities of Dumitru Dragomir, President of the Romanian Professional Soccer
League and Vice President of the Romanian Football Federation, saying his involvement as
the director of the notoriously anti-Semitic publication Atac la Persoana is
"not in keeping" with the standards of professionalism and fair play upheld by
the world soccer organization. Among other slurs, the tabloid has referred to Jews as
"potential soap."
Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, who first notified world soccer officials of
Mr. Dragomir’s activities last week, said he was pleased with the international
soccer body’s immediate and appropriate response. FIFA launched an investigation into
the matter and has publicly distanced itself from Mr. Dragomir.
"We are encouraged that FIFA has distanced itself from Mr. Dragomir’s
activities," Mr. Foxman said. "The world’s top soccer federation has made a
clear commitment to the values of fair play and diversity."
Michel Zen-Ruffinen, General Secretary of FIFA, said in a letter to ADL that "as
the world’s governing body of football, playing an important role in upholding fair
play, we cannot tolerate our sport being interrelated with such base political
involvement. The alleged activities of Mr. Dragomir are not in keeping with his position
as vice president of a FIFA-affiliated National Association."
ADL has also sent a letter to the Romanian Embassy urging the government to
"follow FIFA’s lead and take appropriate action with regard to Mr.
Dragomir."
The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.
