FIFA is holding the 10th World Fair Play Day over the week of 18 to 24 September.

These dates have been chosen to link this year’s events to another special celebration: the United Nations International Day of Peace (21 September), an invitation to all nations and people to honour a cessation of hostilities around the world.

The football family therefore wishes to commemorate the International Day of Peace by using the wonderful game and – most notably – its annual Fair Play celebration. This initiative has the personal support of FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter.

President Blatter recognises the fundamental role of Fair Play in sport and the need to apply it to all sporting activities, including children activities. “Children need strong values to grow up with, and football, being a team sport, makes them realize how essential discipline, respect, team spirit and fair play are for the game and for life,” he commented. “FIFA Fair Play campaign involves much more than simply promoting Fair Play on the pitch during a competition. FIFA is committed to encouraging Fair Play in society too, beginning with our future – with children,” he said.

“The most common way of commemorating the International Day of Peace is by observing a moment of silence or holding a special ceremony,” the FIFA President added. “FIFA would like to encourage its member associations to do this by gathering around a football pitch, highlighting the values of Fair Play, and reminding the football family of the meaning of peace and the need for commitment for its realization.”

The Malta Football Association and its President, Dr Joe Mifsud, appeal to players, referees, fans and officials throughout the country to help praise and promote the spirit of fair play on FIFA World Fair Play Day.

“Fair Play is essential to our sport and to everyone involved in it,” declared Dr Joe Mifsud. “We need to cherish and nurture the values of sporting spirit and work tirelessly to keep up the momentum. We are appealing to all football fans in Malta to help us celebrate FIFA Fair Play Day and the International Day of Peace successfully.”

This is the tenth FIFA Fair Play Day to be celebrated since its introduction in 1997 and the third time that it will be linked to the International Day of Peace. In previous years, activities have been held in dozens of countries around the world, from grass roots to top flight football and in many community-based projects.

The MFA will be commemorating the 2006 FIFA Fair Play Day by ceremonies prior to the commencement of all competitive matches played on Friday 22nd, Saturday 23rd and Sunday 14th September at the National Stadium, the Centenary Stadium, Hibernians Ground and Victor Tedesco Stadium.

Prior to all matches at the above venues, referees and teams will follow the FIFA Fair Play flag which will be carried onto the playing field by ball boys or the reserve players of both teams in case ball boys are not present.

When the teams line up in front of the main enclosure a message is read. At the National Stadium and Victor Tedesco Stadium this is read through the PA system.

Before kick-off and before the usual handshakes a message will be read by the team captains as suggested by FIFA. At the end of the match all players will line up at the centre of the field of play for the post-match handshakes as a sign of Fair Play.

Prior to the kick-off of the BOV Premier League match between Valletta and St George’s at the National Stadium on Saturday a FIFA publication entitled ‘Football and Peace in the World’ will be presented to Dr Louis Galea, Minister of Education.