A kick to exclusion

In the weeks that see Qatar host an anomalous autumn edition of the football world championships, the world of football has found itself having to deal with many words and many non-football reflections: respect for human rights, the fight against racism and discrimination, the protection of minorities and the most fragile categories. Extremely important topics that actually risk leading very often to standardized and little-depth considerations, more the result of a momentary media need than of a real interest.

Football has long since become something more than a sport, or if you prefer something different from it: it is now a global product, a consumer good, a market that thrives on economic interests and its rules. In its elite level it has a very strong bond with money, but despite the many contradictions that exist in the system, it does not fail to arouse passions and emotions, to awaken instincts, to arouse interest and involvement. It is the trepidation for one's team, the torments and joys associated with a rolling ball, the unpredictability of a sport still capable of surprises, that still characterize football today, and despite everything. A pastime which as a whole, crushed by the variety and completeness of television coverage, runs the risk of losing along the way the genuineness of being present at the stadium, of being physically present in the place where, as in a theatre, the show is staged.

During the pandemic years, stadiums remained empty or with reduced capacity for a long time, and it became clear – by default – that the audience is actually part of the show and contributes to building an experience that involves and that it would represent, if it weren't too often ruined, an opportunity for socializing and common feeling. Yet, there is no shortage of positive examples in this regard.

For example, in Italy, a fine project by Milan and Inter, the two Milanese companies, awarded the Braille Prize by the Italian Union for the Blind and Visually Impaired (UICI), caught on target by promoting the presence of visually impaired people at the San Siro stadium: for them a dedicated assistance service that accompanies them to an exclusive sector on the sidelines, where they can enjoy all the excitement of the sounds of the stadium, with the 'fundamental aid of a special commentary edited by journalists in the press box, to "see" and understand what happens on the pitch. Thus, the spoken story of the match and the emotions and sounds of the surrounding environment are put together with a simple idea that offers accessibility and inclusion, creating culture and promoting involvement and equal opportunities for all.

Football, with its excellences and its flaws, is basically the mirror of an entire country, also made up of lights and shadows, good and bad examples. And even for it an evergreen wish would be valid: much better to leave aside a lot of useless chatter to instead give space to ideas and projects that guarantee cohesion and public involvement.


Stefano Caredda
NP December 2023