Budapest, June 4, 2003

Since its establishment Westel, as a committed sponsor of Hungarian sports and an advocate of sportsmanlike competition and fair play, has always strongly condemned violence at sport events, such as what happened at the matches of Ferencváros and Siófok, and it will continue to support measures aimed at preventing it and imposing exemplary punishment on the violent fans.

From the first moment of its establishment Westel has always played a key role in many sports through supporting successful and decent professional work. The CEO and all the staff of the largest domestic mobile company, who are advocates of sportsmanlike competition, were sad and shocked to hear that a match could become a scene of uncontrolled passions and aggression for which there can be no justification. An event like the one that occurred on Friday must not occur again on any sport field in Hungary. Westel using its rights as sponsor will continue to do its best to promote sportsmanship and the organization of civilized and enjoyable sport events.
The company hopes that with the appropriate application of the legislative background, or its amendment when required, and a consistent attitude on the part of the authorities it will be possible to avoid similar situations in the future. It is also a justified expectation that the fans exclude such violent elements from their ranks. Violence has no place either on sport fields, or in sports, be it soccer, handball or water-polo.
Of course this event must have consequences; by sponsoring Ferencváros the largest mobile carrier has committed itself to initiating positive changes in Hungarian soccer. To promote the development of European standard soccer, Westel's support to the team and through it to Hungarian soccer can be valuable in such moments that most clearly demonstrate the need for the transformation of Hungarian soccer.