Uefa Agrees With PETA: Animal Slaughter Has No Place In Football

For Immediate Release:

28 August 2013

Contact:

Ben Williamson +44 (0) 20 7837 6327, ext 229; [email protected]

London – Following an appeal by PETA, UEFA has written today to FC Shakhter Karagandy to condemn the slaughter of a sheep, which took place before the side’s Champions League tie with Celtic FC last week. In a letter to the Kazakh side, which PETA has seen, the governing body’s competitions director calls the sheep’s slaughter “totally improper” and warns that any similar acts by the club may lead to disciplinary action.

“We’re very grateful for UEFA’s swift and firm action condemning such cruel and archaic practices”, says PETA’s Mimi Bekhechi. “UEFA has sent a clear message that there is absolutely nothing sporting about violence towards animals.”

The UEFA’s letter to FC Shakhter Karagandy is available below and here. A copy of PETA’s letter to UEFA President Michel Platini is available here.

Mr Yerden Khalilin

Executive Director

FC Shakhter Karagandy 

Dear Sir,

We were informed that an animal slaughter took place at some point prior to the UEFA Champions League fixture involving FC Shakhter Karagandy and Celtic FC at the Astana Arena on Tuesday 20 August 2013.

Although certain practices may be culturally rooted, they have no place in or around a sporting arena or event. In this context, I would like to make you aware that animal slaughter on a football pitch or in a stadium before, during or after a UEFA competition match – or with reference to a UEFA competition – is totally improper, and will be not tolerated.

In case of re-occurrence, it will inevitably lead to a full investigation by our disciplinary bodies.

Yours sincerely,

U E F A

Giorgio Marchetti

Competitions Director

CC:

Mr Sayan Khamitzhanov, General Secretary of the Football Federation of Kazakhstan