Togo’s Football Federation Launches Anti-Violence Campaign Amidst Growing Concerns
By BBC Sport Africa
The Togolese football scene has been marred by incidents of violence in recent seasons, with numerous reports from various stadiums, including Kpélé-Kponvié, the Lomé Municipal Stadium, and others across the country. These troubling episodes have left players and fans apprehensive about matchdays. However, the new season, which kicked off on Saturday, is now under the banner of change, with the Togolese Football Federation (FTF) taking a strong stance against the rising tide of violence.
In an effort to combat this issue, the FTF has launched the “Let’s Put Violence Out of Play” campaign, aimed at raising awareness among players and the wider sporting community about the importance of responsible behavior both on and off the field. Gabriel Améyi, the president of the FTF, emphasized the campaign’s goal of reminding everyone involved that football matches should not serve as a backdrop for violence.
“Football is governed by rules that referees and judges are responsible for enforcing,” Améyi stated in a press release. “As humans, they may sometimes make mistakes, but this should never give players and fans the opportunity to turn to violence.”
The message of fair play was echoed on the opening day of the new season during an advanced match between Anges FC and Maranatha, where Anges FC secured a 1-0 victory. Before the match, both team captains took part in a solemn declaration, urging their fellow players to “put violence out of the game and cultivate fair play.”
As the season progresses, the FTF’s efforts to ensure a safer, more respectful environment for the sport will be closely watched by fans and players alike, as the Federation aims to shift the narrative around Togolese football.
