The European Commission has requested urgent talks with new UEFA president, Michel Platini, on ways to fight hooliganism and racism within football.
The move by European Union Justice and Security Commissioner Franco Frattini comes after Italy imposed tough security measures in response to the killing of a policeman by rioting Sicilian fans last week.
“I can confirm that Vice President Frattini has invited Michel Platini, president of UEFA, to discuss issues of violence and racism,” Commission spokesman Friso Roscam Abbing told a news briefing.
“It’s clear it won’t be at the end of the year because things are urgent. It will be in the coming days or weeks.”
“We would also like to discuss with Mr. Platini how far we can support a European approach with the cooperation of UEFA and if possible with fan clubs,” the spokesman said.
UEFA said it will discuss the situation during a visit by Platini to Brussels next month.
“Michel Platini will meet the Commission president, Mr. (Jose Manuel) Barroso, on March 12 and therefore we can discuss this issue with Commissioner Frattini then,” a UEFA spokesman said.
“We always value and welcome the EU’s interest and support in these matters.”
