FIFA has established a new anti-racism panel featuring George Weah and Didier Drogba to combat racism in football. The panel will advise on anti-racism strategies and participate in educational programs, aiming for lasting change and stricter punishments for racist incidents. President Infantino emphasizes the importance of action against racism both on and off the pitch.
In a significant move to combat racism in football, FIFA has announced the formation of a new panel comprised of 16 former players. Among the prominent figures appointed are football legends George Weah and Didier Drogba, both of whom are expected to play crucial roles in shaping and implementing anti-racism strategies within the sport.
The initiative, initially unveiled at FIFA's annual congress in Thailand in May 2024, underscores the organization's commitment to addressing the persistent issue of racism in football. The panel will serve as a platform for players' voices to be heard, providing guidance and recommendations on how to effectively tackle discrimination at all levels of the game.
Weah, the former AC Milan striker and current President of Liberia (from 2018 to 2024), brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the panel. His involvement signals the seriousness with which FIFA is approaching the fight against racism. Similarly, Drogba, the former Chelsea forward, is celebrated for his powerful voice against racism and other societal ills. Drogba's presence further solidifies the panel's credibility and influence.
The panel's responsibilities will include advising on anti-racism strategies, actively participating in educational programs, and contributing to reforms across the global football landscape. By engaging in these activities, the panel aims to foster a culture of inclusivity and respect within the sport.
Weah, who has been named the panel's 'honorary captain,' expressed his dedication to the cause. "Football brings unity and development. It also enhances humanity," he stated. "I will always exert all efforts, as I have done in the past and continue to do, to promote the sport because football is life. I am honored to serve in this role."
FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized the importance of the panel's role in driving meaningful change. He stated that the panel members will "support education at all levels of the game" and "promote new ideas for lasting change." Infantino further added, "They will further push for a shift in football culture, making sure measures to counter racism are not just talked about, but actioned, both on and off the pitch."
Infantino also underscored the severity of racism and discrimination, labeling them as crimes that must be fully punished. "Let's be clear on this: racism and discrimination are not simply wrong - they are crimes. All incidents of racism, whether in stadiums or online, must be fully punished both by football and across society."
The complete list of panel members includes a diverse group of former players from 14 countries, representing both men's and women's football. This diversity ensures a wide range of perspectives and experiences will inform the panel's work.
Fifa's players' voice anti-racism panel:
George Weah (Liberia)
Emmanuel Adebayor (Togo)
Mercy Akide (Nigeria)
Ivan Cordoba (Colombia)
Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast)
Khalilou Fadiga (Senegal)
Formiga (Brazil)
Jessica Houara (France)
Maia Jackman (New Zealand)
Sun Jihai (China PR)
Blaise Matuidi (France)
Aya Miyama (Japan)
Lotta Schelin (Sweden)
Briana Scurry (United States)
Mikael Silvestre (France)
Juan Pablo Sorin (Argentina)
Image source, Getty ImagesGeorge Weah served as the president of Liberia from 2018 to 2024