The KNVB (Royal Dutch Football Association) presented an action plan on Thursday afternoon to combat racism and discrimination in the world of football. The football association aims to use smart technology, among other measures, to detect racism and discrimination in stadiums.
The KNVB unveiled the plan during a congress in Zeist in collaboration with the Dutch government and several partners such as municipalities, Eredivisie police (ECV), and the Coöperatie Eerste Divisie (CED). The plan is called "Ons Voetbal Is Van Iedereen" (OVIVI) and is a follow-up to the plan of the same name from 2020.
OVIVI consists of 22 components and is structured around four action lines: prevention, detection, sanction, and working together. Providing better information and conducting campaigns are two examples of components that the various parties will work on until 2025.
The most noteworthy aspect is the use of smart technology. 'Various technical solutions are currently being tested to combat discriminatory chants: detecting, recording, and influencing behavior. These projects will be expanded or extended by one season,' the association states in the plan.
'Racism and discrimination are persistent societal issues, and addressing them requires perseverance,' the KNVB concludes. 'So, we are pleased that we can take the next step in the coming years with OVIVI.'
