LaLiga Launches 'Cities Network' to Combat Hate Crimes with 37 Participating Municipalities
LaLiga officially launched the "Cities Network" initiative at the headquarters of the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FEMP). This step primarily aims to combat hate crimes and promote values of tolerance within the sports community. The initiative involves all 42 LaLiga clubs, along with 37 cities that host professional football teams, with the goal of leveraging the sport's widespread popularity to address pressing social issues.
During the presentation ceremony, LaLiga President Javier Tebas was present, alongside several officials who outlined joint action plans. These plans include organizing educational workshops for municipal officials. As part of this collaboration, the workshops will address vital topics such as combating racism, bullying, and child protection. It was confirmed that 14 workshops have already been conducted, with a commitment to implement at least one in each member city over the next eight months.
José Montero, LaLiga's Director of Public Affairs and Institutional Relations, clarified that all targeted cities have joined the initiative without exception. Montero stated: "Out of 37 cities, 37 have joined; no one has been left out. The Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces has also become our 38th 'city,' which will give us the ability to expand." Regarding the project's continuity, Montero noted that the aim is for cities to remain part of the network even if their clubs are promoted or relegated between the first and second divisions, ensuring the initiative's sustained social impact.
Through this collaboration, LaLiga seeks to disseminate awareness campaigns and informative posters via social media networks and platforms belonging to the participating municipalities, aiming to create safe sporting environments free from hostile behavior. The Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces will provide a training platform to deliver educational content to local officials, thereby enhancing the capacity of local authorities in Spain to address negative phenomena associated with football competitions.
