FIFA upset with Nobel Peace Centre decision to sever ties
Tuesday 16 June 2015 13:52, UK
FIFA has condemned the decision made by the Nobel Peace Centre to sever their links with football's governing body.
The board behind the world-famous Nobel Peace Prize announced the move on Monday as chaos continues within FIFA, which had been partnered with them in a 'Handshake For Peace' initiative.
A FIFA statement was critical of the way the news had been broadcast, after it learned of the proposal through the media, an action it claims was against 'fair play'.
"We are disappointed to have learned from the media about the Nobel Peace Centre's intent to terminate the cooperation with FIFA on the Handshake for Peace initiative," a FIFA statement read.
"FIFA is reluctant to accept this unilateral approach on what is a joint initiative between the football community and the Nobel Peace Centre.
"This action does not embody the spirit of fair play especially as it obstructs the promotion of the key values of peace building and anti-discrimination."
FIFA confirmed NPC executive director Bente Erichsen phoned president Sepp Blatter on Tuesday morning and that she "continued to believe in this initiative and hoped it would live on in football with FIFA".
The world governing body also said the Handshake for Peace would remain as part of the match protocol at the U20 World Cup in New Zealand and Women's World Cup in Canada and at future competitions.
