Undercover observers track racism, discrimination at European soccer games

Blend in, remain vigilant, and if necessary, fake enthusiasm.

Among the multitude of spectators filling Europe’s largest soccer stadiums, a select few operate incognito. Trained volunteers, acting as undercover observers, listen attentively for racist chants and keep a watchful eye on extremist symbols adorning banners.

“It’s crucial to assimilate into the environment seamlessly, without attracting attention. Discretion is key,” confided one observer, who has worked at matches involving renowned soccer clubs and national teams, during an interview with The Big Big News.

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“Naturally, nothing is shared on social media. Anonymity is paramount. It’s vital to blend in and avoid engaging in conversations with anyone.”

Due to the nature of their work, the observer requested anonymity. They are part of a program commissioned by UEFA, the governing body of European soccer, and administered by the Fare Network, a prominent anti-discrimination organization. The Fare Network, under the leadership of executive director Piara Powar, monitors around 120 matches per season across Europe’s three primary men’s club competitions. Additionally, they cover numerous national team events worldwide, such as World Cup qualifiers.

Evidence obtained through this program, including discreetly captured photographs from the stands, serves as valuable support in disciplinary proceedings against clubs or national teams whose fans exhibit racist behavior during European competitions like the Champions League.

It’s not a career, but rather a means to create a brighter future for soccer, expressed the observer.

Observers volunteer their services, with their expenses covered, and are expected to monitor the social media activities of hardcore fan groups to identify potential incidents.

Within the stadium, an observer closely monitors the stands, looking for indications of racist, homophobic, sexist, or other forms of discriminatory chants or banners, all while keeping an eye on the on-field action, which often influences fan behavior.

“If a disgruntled fan base witnesses their team suffer a 5-0 defeat or an unexpected elimination from a competition they anticipated progressing in, it could serve as another catalyst,” the observer explained. “You must continuously gauge the unfolding situation.”

Observers are required to possess knowledge of symbols employed by nationalist groups, particularly their logos and number codes—such as 88, symbolizing Heil Hitler—which are used to transmit secretive messages.

Each game receives a risk rating to determine the necessary number of observers. The most high-risk matches may have up to three observers present.

Occasionally, a game initially categorized as “medium-risk” may unexpectedly “blow up,” creating a scramble to document evidence and transmit it to a UEFA delegate in the stands. However, this task can prove challenging due to overloaded stadium Wi-Fi.

The evidence collected is subsequently utilized by UEFA’s disciplinary unit for “further investigation and potential proceedings,” as stated in a statement to the AP by the European soccer governing body.

While hooliganism incidents have declined in European soccer over recent decades, certain fan groups maintain a reputation for racist conduct and violence. To ensure security, the identity of the observers is divulged to as few individuals as possible.

The observer described occasionally feeling uneasy in certain situations but emphasized they have never been in personal danger. Observers are not expected to infiltrate tightly-knit, hardcore fan groups but rather maintain a distance and observe from afar.

Fare’s work is not always welcomed.

In a case brought before the Court of Arbitration for Sport concerning a banner at a 2019 game that was deemed to contain a coded racist message, Georgian club Dinamo Tbilisi sought to challenge Fare’s evaluation, arguing that

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Covert anti-discrimination efforts at European soccer matches

More about Covert anti-discrimination efforts at European soccer matches

• The Fare Network – Learn more about the Fare Network, the prominent anti-discrimination group running the undercover observer program on behalf of UEFA.
• UEFA – Visit UEFA’s official website to explore their initiatives and policies in promoting equality and combating racism in European soccer.
• Champions League – Find out more about the Champions League, one of the European competitions where evidence collected by undercover observers is used in disciplinary cases.
• Court of Arbitration for Sport – The Court of Arbitration for Sport plays a role in resolving disputes related to soccer, including cases involving discriminatory behavior.
• World Cup – Get information about the FIFA World Cup, one of the international events where undercover observers monitor national team events.
• AP Soccer – Explore AP Soccer for more news and updates on soccer-related topics.
• AP Sports – Follow AP Sports on Twitter for the latest sports news, including soccer-related stories.