Respect The Game: COVID-19

As clubs return to training and as we approach a return to competition, Football Victoria (FV) wants to remind our football community of the importance that respect plays in our game.

Respect is a core value at FV and our community will be aware of our Respect the Game initiative, which continues throughout 2020.

We were, therefore, appalled to read media reports in recent days of COVID-19-related abuse being directed at a junior player on the basis of her Chinese heritage. 

There is no place for this behaviour in our sport. 

Football Victoria will continue to take a zero-tolerance approach to racism and will not hesitate to heavily sanction clubs and players found guilty of such behaviour. 

Football Victoria CEO Peter Filopoulos condemned the behaviour.

“The impact that racist behaviour has on individuals and on our game cannot be overstated. We ask the football community to call out this behaviour and drive a culture of respect within our game, particularly at a time when we need to work together, rather than build barriers.”

“We need to work on keeping our game strong and providing a safe, enjoyable environment that protects participants, match officials, club administrators, volunteers and spectators.”

“We will provide a safe environment for all Victorians to unite through football.”