IFCPF Statement regarding Seth Jahn

The International Federation of Cerebral Palsy Football (IFCPF) Board condemns the comments which were made by Seth Jahn, a former US CP Football (soccer) player at the U.S. Soccer AGM on the 27th February 2021. These views, and past social media posts which have now come to light, are the personal views of an individual and not those of U.S. Soccer, the U.S. Soccer Athlete Council or IFCPF. We support the decision made by the U.S. Soccer Athlete Council to remove Seth Jahn with immediate effect.

Whilst respecting freedom of expression, the right to hold personal opinions and to express them freely; individuals also have a duty to behave responsibly and to respect other people's rights. Expression of views of a discriminatory nature and that encourage racial or religious hatred is wrong, will not be tolerated by IFCPF and will be met by strong sanctions within our sport and where necessary reporting to the appropriate authorities.

IFCPF is an organisation which was founded with a committed to inclusivity without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, disability, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status, in keeping with the IPC Code of Ethics and UN Declaration of Human Rights.

IFCPF wishes to congratulate the US Soccer Federation on their decision to repeal policy 604-1, advocating for freedom of expression by athletes to peacefully protest racial inequalities in a way that promotes respect for diversity, equity and inclusion.

We echo the position and words of U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone: "There is never a place for racist comments in any form."