Foundation Continues Sunderland Support
The Nelson Mandela Foundation has reaffirmed its partnership with Barclays Premier League football club Sunderland, claiming the affiliation is not in jeopardy despite their appointment of Paolo Di Canio as manager.
The link between the two institutions was set up in February this year to help the foundation deliver the former South Africa president’s messages of education and social inclusion.
Sunderland celebrated their most recent signing at the Stadium of Light on Saturday, prior to Di Canio’s appointment, in a series of Nelson Mandela Day events ahead of the clash with Manchester United.
However, the northeast club hired Italian Di Canio the following day, sparking controversy after previously identifying himself as a fascist and refused to answer questions on the topic when presented to the media earlier on Tuesday.
Media reports suggested that the partnership with the not-for-profit foundation could be in jeopardy following the appointment, but after a meeting with club officials and the new manager, they have decided to pursue their partnership with Sunderland.
The foundation said in a statement: ‘The Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory and the management of Sunderland Football Club met in England on Monday, 1 April 2013 to discuss the public debates around Sunderland’s new coach. Mr Di Canio participated in the meeting.’
‘The Centre recently entered into a partnership with the club designed to promote the legacy of our Founder, Nelson Mandela, and to help ensure the future sustainability of the Centre.’
‘At the heart of the partnership is a commitment to our Founder’s values with a special focus on human rights and anti-racism. At the meeting on Monday, Sunderland reaffirmed its commitment to these values and the ethos of the partnership.’
‘It must be stressed that the Centre’s relationship is with the club, not with any individual in the club.’
Meanwhile Sunderland’s shirt sponsor, not-for-profit business initiative Invest in Africa, refused to comment on Di Canio’s arrival.
