Combating Hate Through Sports  

Sports have the unique ability to bring together people across cultures, religions, and  backgrounds. The Simon Wiesenthal Center believes sports can—and must—be a force for   
tolerance. For this reason, SWC has created a program to ensure that sports are free from  hate, while also serving as an agent against hate. 

Few platforms reach as many people or inspire as much passion as athletics. From local clubs to international competitions, sports influence how communities understand   
identity, belonging, and respect.

Because sports shape culture, they also carry enormous social responsibility. Through education, accountability, and collaboration with clubs, athletes, and institutions, SWC works to transform the values of respect and inclusion into meaningful action.

When Sports Become a Battleground for Hate

Despite its ability to unite people, sports have repeatedly been exploited to spread racism, antisemitism, xenophobia, homophobia, and other forms of discrimination. From racist chants and extremist symbols in stadiums to the exclusion of Israeli athletes and harassment of players based on identity, these incidents undermine the very values that sports have the power to promote.

Too often, discriminatory behavior becomes normalized within large crowds, where anonymity can shield individuals from accountability. Addressing these challenges requires more than responding after incidents occur—it requires long-term strategies and sustained partnerships that educate communities, establish accountability, and empower those within the sport to challenge intolerance.

Building a Framework for Change

That is why the Simon Wiesenthal Center developed the 11-Point Program Against Racism, Discrimination and Xenophobia in Sports, which provides sports organizations with practical tools to combat intolerance, including:  

• Publicly condemning racism, antisemitism, xenophobia, and discrimination  

• Establishing clear sanctions for discriminatory behavior  

• Preventing extremist materials and symbols from entering stadiums  

• Training and engaging players, supporters, schools, and community partners  

• Recognizing individuals and organizations that advance tolerance in sports

This approach focuses not only on punishment, but on prevention—helping institutions build environments where discrimination is rejected before it takes hold.

Partnering With Clubs to Advance Tolerance

Across Latin America, the Simon Wiesenthal Center has partnered with some of the region’s most influential soccer clubs, including Boca Juniors, River Plate, and Racing Club, demonstrating that competitive excellence and a commitment to tolerance can go hand in hand.

Our Latin American team has presented the Simon Wiesenthal Center Sports Award to numerous teams across Argentina for their commitment to combating discrimination and promoting respect through sports. The Center will soon expand this initiative to Europe, where German soccer club SV Werder Bremen will receive the award for its commitment to fighting antisemitism, promoting Holocaust remembrance, and standing in solidarity with the Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

This work also reaches the next generation of players. Through workshops delivered in clubs' youth academies—including those of Defensa y Justicia and Estudiantes—SWC engages young athletes on discrimination in sports and on the responsibility they will carry as future professional athletes and public figures.  
Sports have a unique ability to reach communities in ways that governments and classrooms often cannot. When clubs, athletes, and leaders take a stand against hate, they influence millions of fans and help create a culture where respect and inclusion become part of the game itself.