"Gibraltar is a microcosm of inter-faith and inter-cultural harmony, a template for tolerance-building in Europe. Its admission by the UEFA Congress tomorrow will be well deserved."

Paris, 23 May 2013

In a letter to UEFA (Union of European Football Associations)’s President, Michel Platini, the Simon Wiesenthal Centre's Director for International Relations, Dr. Shimon Samuels, noted that the UEFA Congress, meeting in London, will tomorrow vote on the admission of Gibraltar’s Football Association.

Samuels explained that, "as an international anti-racist organization actively concerned with discrimination and bigotry, we view Gibraltar as a microcosm of inter-faith and inter-cultural harmony which Europe may consider as a template for tolerance-building". 

The letter continued, "our relationship with FARE (Football Against Racism in Europe) and Polish ‘Never Again’, at the Euro 2012, has reinforced our faith in football as a meeting ground in respect for all, and our conviction that sport must be held above politics." 

The letter emphasized that it "embraces UEFA’s policy of inclusion and universality in support of Gibraltar’s entry tomorrow." 

"Mr. President, we wish you and UEFA a tranquil and successful Congress", concluded Samuels.