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This was the first report of the Football Task Force, which was set up by Government in July 1997. In this instance the Government asked the Football Task Force to take a thorough look at the problem of racism in football and how to encourage wider participation amongst all sections of the community. It set a challenging remit, including playing and watching the game from pub leagues to the Premiership. Specifically, the Task Force was asked:
'to make recommendations on appropriate measures to eliminate racism from football and encourage wider participation by ethnic minorities, both in playing and spectating'.
Racism is the belief in the superiority of one race or group of people above another and prejudicial activity based on that belief. Racism is illegal. All sections of society are subject to the provisions of anti discrimination and criminal law. Football is no different. The game has a responsibility to ensure its affairs are conducted in accordance with the law and to take any additional steps that may be necessary to keep itself free from racism in all its forms.
As part of the total remit, this being the first report, the Government asked the Task Force to investigate and recommend measures to help:
- Eliminate racism in football and encourage wider participation by ethnic minorities, both in playing and spectating;
- Improve disabled access to spectating facilities;
- Develop the opportunities for players to act as good role models in terms of behaviour and sportsmanship, and to become actively involved in community schemes;
- Encourage greater supporter involvement in the running of clubs;
- Encourage ticketing and pricing policies that are geared to reflect the needs of all, on an equitable basis, including for cup and international matches;
- Encourage merchandising policies that reflect the needs of supporters as well as commercial considerations;
- Reconcile the potential conflict between the legitimate needs of shareholders, players and supporters where clubs are floated on the Stock Exchange.
The Government appointed representatives of various bodies to the Task Force. The Football Association, the FA Premier League, the Football League, the Professional Footballers' Association, the Football Trust, the League Managers' Association, the Association of Premier League and Football League Match Officials, the Football Supporters Association, the National Federation of Football Supporters Clubs and the National Association of Disabled Supporters, Sport England, the Commission for Racial Equality and the Local Government Association, are all represented. There are also a number of individuals.
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