FIFA penalized Hong Kong racist to the Philippines AZKALS; fined 33,000 Swiss Franc – HKFA Disappointed

 

HK football body fined over slurs vs. Azkals

 

Philippines - The alleged racist behavior and acts of violence of Hong Kong supporters against the Philippine Azkals and Filipino fans during a June 4, 2013 "international friendly" at Mong Kok Stadium drew sanctions from the world governing body of football.

 

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Acting on the complaint filed by the Philippine Football Federation (PFF), the International Football Federation (FIFA) slapped the host Hong Kong Football Association (HKFA) with a fine of 30,000 Swiss francs (roughly ₱1.4 million) for the misbehavior of fans during the controversial match that the Azkals won, 1-0.

 

According to the Filipino complainants, a group of Hong Kong supporters shouted racial slurs such as "slave nation" and booed while the Philippine national anthem was being played.

 

Some Hong Kong fans, they added, even threw bottled water and other debris at the Philippine section, which included some women and children.

 

The PFF complained that this was in violation of "FIFA regulations on security for international matches and discrimination of supporters."

 

According to the FIFA disciplinary code, the host association will be sanctioned for the "unruliness" of the fans.

 

Additionally, the FIFA ordered the HKFA to pay an additional 3,000 francs (₱148,000) to cover the Filipinos' expenses for the proceedings.

 

"The decision shows that FIFA vigorously implements the non-discrimination provisions of the FIFA statutes wherever the conduct is displayed and whoever the guilty party is. It also stressed the responsibility of the host member association for the spectators' conduct in any friendly match in its territory," the PFF said in a statement yesterday.

 

"Indeed, any discriminatory conduct or acts of violence during any football match cannot be condoned. Football should unite and not divide," it added.

 

Azkals team manager Dan Palami, who witnessed and experienced the incident, expressed hope it would not be repeated.

 

"Certainly, racism and disrespect for another country and its people do not have room in any sport, especially in the beautiful game of football. We are optimistic that this sad incident will not be repeated, not just in Hong Kong but in any other country that the Azkals will play in," Palami was quoted as saying by the ABS-CBN News Channel.

 

The HKFA, meanwhile, expressed disappointment over the FIFA decision and maintained it was just a "minor incident" involving a few Hong Kong fans.

 

"In my opinion, the incidents were very minor in nature and there was significant provocation by a number of the Philippine players," said HKFA chief executive officer Mark Sutcliffe.

 

"Having said that, we do not condone any acts of violence or racial discrimination and… we will implement stadium bans on any individuals convicted of an offense of this nature," he said.

 

Sutcliffe added that they may appeal the FIFA decision. – philSTAR

 

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China’s law banning all fishermen in waters of the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia and Vietnam – Escalating to ASEAN meeting

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario

Phl to bring China fishing law to ASEAN

The Philippines will discuss with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) the new fisheries law of China that raises both regional and international concern for its serious implications.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said yesterday he would raise China's fishing restrictions with his counterparts at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting, which began on Jan. 15 and ends this Saturday.

Del Rosario is in Bagan, Myanmar for the meeting.

"The reported new Hainan fisheries regulations have serious implications on freedom of navigation, maritime security, respect for UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) and regional peace and stability," Del Rosario said in a statement.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Monday that China responded to the Philippines' call for clarification of its new fisheries law, with Beijing insisting that it is not a new measure but an implementation of their fishing regulations covering Hainan.

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"As an international issue, all concerned countries should be able to express their views in our common search for security and stability based on the rule of law," Del Rosario said.

China came under fire Tuesday at a US House joint committee hearing for its alleged propensity to use coercion, bullying and "salami slicing tactics" to secure its maritime interests in the East and South China Seas.

"We take note of the recent pronouncement by members of the US Congress concerning disputes in the seas of East Asia," Del Rosario said.

He stressed that the Philippine government has always advocated a peaceful and rules-based settlement of disputes in accordance with international law, particularly UNCLOS.

"Stakeholders in these disputes should refrain from acts that are detrimental to peace and stability of the region and ensure global economic progress through unimpeded maritime commerce," he said.

The DFA reiterated its strong protest on June 28, 2012 as the jurisdiction of Hainan province includes Philippine territories and impinges on the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.

The Philippines called on China to conform to international law, particularly the UNCLOS.

It asked Beijing to immediately clarify the regulation, saying it is a gross violation of international law.

The new fisheries law issued by the Hainan Provincial People's Congress requires foreign fishing vessels to obtain approval from Chinese authorities before they are allowed to fish or conduct surveying activities in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

The DFA said China's latest move would only further escalate tensions in the disputed territory and affect peace and stability in the region.

The US slammed China for the new fishing restrictions in disputed waters in the West Philippine Sea, saying they were "provocative and potentially dangerous."

Move aims to weaken food security

A lawmaker warned that China's move to restrict foreign fishing vessels in the disputed West Philippine Sea was aimed at weakening the country's food security.

Assistant Majority Leader and Palawan Rep. Franz Josef Alvarez described Beijing's imposition of a fishing permit on parts of the West Philippine Sea it is claiming as its own as a "blow to our stomachs, and an assault on our food security." – Paolo Romero / philSTAR

 

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