Diversity and Anti-Discrimination

“Football is for all. The Cambodian Premier League is designed to be an outstanding atmospheric experience for everybody to enjoy and love. We stand for diversity, inclusivity, and anti-

discrimination. We work together to be together. ˮ

 

Peter Koo, the General Manager of the Cambodian Premier League

 

 

Preventative measure is the primary step in stopping discriminatory behaviors and actions in the beautiful game of football. The CPL is aware of the emotional and passionate part to the game, however, discrimination has no part to the arenas.

The CPL is committed to educating everyone regarding the inclusivity of diversity within the pitches, stadiums, events, workplaces, and on all digital platforms.

A clear policy, procedure, and reporting system is critical for the success of safety and an environment of inclusion in the stadiums and offices.

Diversity and Anti-discrimination competition procedure:

1.     In case of any racial abuse in the match (during), the match official (referee) must first, pause the game. If it furthers on, to suspend the game. Then to abandon the game if there is no eradication of the situation. This is to prevent the development of any misconducts within the stadium and on the field. This procedure and practice is put in place by FIFA, called, “The three step procedure for referees.ˮ

Competition Regulation for Referee and Competition to follow-through:


 

Awareness-raising initiatives, preventive mechanisms, and special information for spectators.

 1.       We encourage all clubs to share the knowledge and education to all spectators, staff, management, and players regarding inclusivity and anti- discrimination.

 2.       At the matches, it is encouraged for clubs to help share videos or educational information as preventive measures.

Implementing the operating procedure for discriminatory incidents at matches (three-step procedure) at all league matches.

Delivering of a social media protection service “Silence the Hateˮ

Anti-discrimination policies in the Cambodian Premier League is designed to promote equality, respect, and inclusion, ensuring that all participants can enjoy the game free from discrimination. 

   Zero Tolerance Statement

  • The Cambodian Premier League declares that discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or any other characteristic will not be tolerated. 

  Scope of the Policy

  • Definition of what constitutes discrimination, including verbal abuse, harassment, and any discriminatory behavior towards players, officials, staff, and fans.

What constitutes as discrimination?

 1.     Verbal Abuse

Racist Remarks:  Using derogatory terms related to a player's race or ethnicity during a match.

Homophobic Slurs:   Making offensive comments about a playerʼs sexual orientation.

Gender-Based Insults:   Using sexist language to demean a male/female player or official.

 2.        Harassment

Persistent Negative Comments: Repeatedly taunting a player about their background or identity, even after being asked to stop.

Inappropriate Touching: Unwanted physical contact that makes someone feel uncomfortable, particularly of a sexual nature.

Targeted Social Media Abuse:  Harassing a player online with discriminatory comments about their race, gender, or other identity

 3.        Discriminatory Behavior

Exclusion from Team Activities:  Deliberately excluding a player from team functions based on their race, gender, or sexual orientation.

Unequal Treatment by Officials:  Referees or match officials showing bias in their decision-making based on a playerʼs background.

Discriminatory Chants:  Fans engaging in chants or songs that are racist, sexist, or homophobic during matches.

 4.        Bullying

Mocking or Teasing:  Players or staff mocking a teammate's accent, physical appearance, or cultural practices.

Intimidation: Threatening a player or staff member because of their identity, making them feel unsafe or unwelcome.

 5.        Retaliation

Punishing Whistleblowers:  Taking adverse actions against someone who reports discrimination or speaks out against it, such as benching a player or demoting a staff member.

  6.        Cultural Appropriation

Inappropriate Use of Symbols:  Using cultural symbols or attire in a disrespectful or mocking way, which can demean the significance of those symbols to specific groups.

Action Plans for Diversity and Anti-Discrimination Initiative:

1.     Education and Awareness Campaigns

Training for Players and Staff: Organizing regular workshops and training sessions for players, coaches, and staff to raise awareness about issues of diversity, inclusion, and discrimination. These sessions could cover topics like unconscious bias, cultural sensitivity, anti-racism, and the importance of gender equality.

Fan Engagement: Launching public campaigns to educate fans about diversity and inclusion, possibly through social media, matchday programs, or banners in stadiums. These campaigns can also emphasize respect for all individuals, regardless of their background.

    2.        Anti-Discrimination Policies

Clear Code of Conduct: Establishing a robust code of conduct that explicitly bans all forms of discrimination, including racism, sexism, homophobia, and discrimination based on disability or nationality. This should be enforced at all levels of the game, from players to staff to fans.

Reporting Mechanism: Creating a confidential and safe system for players, staff, and fans to report incidents of discrimination or harassment. Ensuringthat these reports are taken seriously and investigated promptly is essential to the integrity of the initiative.

Sanctions for Discrimination: Establishing consequences for individuals or teams who engage in discriminatory behavior, whether on or off the field. This might include fines, suspensions, or even lifetime bans, depending on the severity of the incident.

    3.     Promoting Gender Equality

Encouraging Female Participation: Supporting and promoting women's football in Cambodia, including creating pathways for female players, coaches, and officials. This could involve increasing funding for womenʼs teams and ensuring equal opportunities in all areas of the sport.

Support for All Fans: Ensuring that stadiums and facilities are welcoming to male/female fans, with family-friendly environments and policies that promote gender equality.

Equal Pay and Opportunities: Addressing the gender pay gap in football and ensuring that both male and female players have access to the same resources, training, and media coverage.

 

     4.      Inclusive Fan Experiences

Accessibility: Ensuring that stadiums and sports venues are accessible to fans with disabilities, with features such as wheelchair access, seating for people with mobility impairments, and sensory accommodations for those with autism or other needs.

Cultural and Religious Sensitivity: Recognizing and respecting the cultural and religious backgrounds of players and fans.

Creating Safe Spaces: Providing a safe environment for all fans and players, where they can participate in the sport and enjoy matches without fear of

discrimination or harassment.

   5.       Diversity in Leadership and Management

Inclusive Leadership: Ensuring diversity at all levels of the leagueʼs management, from team coaches to executives. This could involve actively recruiting people from underrepresented communities and ensuring that leadership positions reflect the diversity of the fan base and society.

Representation in Media: Promoting diverse voices in the media coverage of football, from reporters and commentators to interviewees, ensuring that

players from various backgrounds are given equal opportunities to share their stories.

   6.        Community Outreach and Partnership

Collaborating with NGOs: Partnering with local and international organizations that focus on diversity, inclusion, and anti-discrimination. This could involve collaborating on educational programs, community events, or social responsibility projects.

Grassroots Diversity Programs: Implementing programs at the grassroots level to promote diversity in football. This could include initiatives aimed at encouraging young people from various backgrounds to get involved in the sport, offering scholarships, or creating training programs for marginalized communities.

    7.      Support for International and Migrant Players

Integration Programs: Many sports leagues, including the CPL, have players from various countries. Creating support systems to help international or migrant players integrate into the local community is important. This could include language lessons, cultural exchange programs, and mentorship from local players.

Anti-Racism Measures: As racism can be a problem in football, the CPL can set up specific programs aimed at combating racist attitudes among fans,players, and staff. This could involve anti-racism campaigns and partnerships with local or international anti-racism organizations.

    8.        Visibility and Role Models

Highlighting Diverse Role Models: Celebrating diverse role models, such as players who are breaking down barriers related to race, gender, or sexuality, can inspire fans and aspiring athletes to engage in the sport. The CPL can highlight these athletes through campaigns and media coverage.

    9.        Monitoring and Reporting Progress

Annual Diversity Report: Publishing an annual report on diversity and anti-

discrimination efforts, detailing the initiatives undertaken, the progress made, and the challenges faced. This transparency ensures that the league is held accountable for its commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Feedback from Stakeholders: Gathering feedback from players, staff, and

fans on diversity and inclusion efforts. This feedback loop helps the league to assess the effectiveness of its initiatives and make necessary adjustments.