Barcelona and Spain striker David Villa
Barcelona President Joan Laporta has revealed that the contract of the club's new signing Spain striker David Villa is the first to include an anti-racism clause.
"It is the first time that a contract has been signed with an anti-racism clause included as introduced by the European Club Association," explained Laporta.
"From now on we will include it in all new contracts."
The text in the deal states: 'The player will not express or carry out, in any form, discriminatory ideas or acts, either during football games or in any club duties. The club will strongly condemn any discriminatory or racist act according to the agreement.'
Piara Powar, director of Kick It Out, welcomed the move, "This is a symbolic but important step that underlines the values that we want to see European football espouse.
"To have this clause within the contract of elite performers like David Villa sends out a categorical message.
"Our congratulations for their work on the initiative to the ECA, UNESCO and Juan Laporta himself, who has been a driving force."
Bobby Barnes, Assistant Chief Executive of the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) commented, “We wholeheartedly endorse this new clause introduced by FC Barcelona in player contracts.
"It is a step that most players in the UK would welcome as an appropriate guidance to the standards expected of them and one that would be widely respected.
“Through our work with FIFPro, the international body for player unions, we will look to explore how we could further support the implementation across Europe.”
The European Club Association (ECA) was set-up in 2008 representing 144 clubs, made up of 103 ordinary members and 41 associated members, with at least one from each of the 53 national associations within UEFA. Laporta is vice-President of the Association.
Villa, known as El Guaje ('The Kid'), signed for Barca this summer for a fee of €40million saying, "It is an honour, a source of pride."
