The Football Association’s work towards tackling homophobia in sport was highlighted at the More Than Playing Games Conference in Belgium.

The Antwerp event, which was held on the eve of the Gay and Lesbian Sport Federation’s Eurogames, saw delegates from across Europe and included members from the Belgian FA and Parliament plus UEFA.

FA Customer Relations Assistant Tracey Bates spoke at the Homophobia in Football workshop and was joined by Chris Basiurski from the UK’s Gay Football Supporters Network.

Tracey explained more about her role at the Conference: "I spoke about the Tackling Homophobia working group, which meets regularly at The FA, and the new ground regulations which, for the first time, will cover homophobia when the new season begins.

"Everyone was impressed with the work of The FA in this area and we also outlined the ten point plan in the new ‘Irrespective of Sexual Orientation’ leaflet produced by The FA’s Equality Team."

Professional clubs such as Manchester City and AFC Bournemouth have both campaigned for more support from local gay communities and Tracey and Chris told the Conference about the joint initiative between The FA and the Gay Football Supporters Network, which aims to get a Liaison Officer into all 92 league clubs and implement the new ground regulations over the forthcoming season.

Chris also praised The FA’s help in securing the 2008 International Gay and Lesbian Football Association’s World Championships for London, which will be will be hosted next August by the Gay and Lesbian Football club, London Leftfooters.

The FA were also given an insight into homophobia in football around Europe with delegates reporting about progress in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany while amateur teams in Denmark and Spain gave examples of homophobia from fans and the press.

The event concluded with senior figures signing a joint declaration, drawn up by Belgian Gay Rights campaigner, Holebefederatie, which supports the equal treatment of heterosexuals, gays, lesbians and bisexuals in sport.