FIFA Launches Panel with Ex-Players to Combat Racism

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Football Legends Fight Against Racism

FIFA has created a players' voice panel comprising 16 former players of diverse ethnic backgrounds and nationalities from all six global confederations. This panel aims to advise and monitor the implementation of initiatives against racism in football. Featuring members like George Weah, the 1995 Ballon d'Or winner and former president of Liberia, as its honorary captain, the panel reflects FIFA’s commitment to make anti-racism measures a reality in the sport.

The players' voice panel was established following a unanimous decision by all 211 FIFA member associations, demonstrating a united global stance against racism. The panel ensures that the lived experiences and insights of former players inform FIFA's anti-racism efforts, emphasizing actions over mere discussions. This approach aims to transform football culture comprehensively, fostering environments both on and off the pitch where racism has no place.

Panel members, including Brianna Scurry, Mikael Silvestre, and Lotte Schelling, have voiced their dedication to eradicating racism and enhancing the beauty and inclusivity of the sport. They stress the imperative to leverage FIFA’s platform and their firsthand understanding of the players’ experiences to enact significant change. The sport of football, celebrated as a universal unifier, has the potential to bring people together, emphasizing solidarity rather than division.

Established as part of the five pillars of FIFA's global stand against racism slated for 2024, the panel aims to expand its reach by including as diverse a group of voices as possible. With strong leadership from figures like FIFA president Gianni Infantino, the initiative seeks to foster an all-encompassing and impactful movement, pivotal in transforming the narrative around football and sportsmanship globally.