-
FIFA has formed a 16-member panel to tackle racism in football.
-
Former Ballon d’Or winner George Weah will lead the group.
-
The panel will push education and reforms.
FIFA on Friday unveiled the 16-member Players’ Voice Panel to tackle racism in football and named former Ballon d’Or winner George Weah as its chair.
Also Read: “No Place for Racism’’ – FIFA Slams Football Abuse After German Cup Incidents
The mixed-gender team, drawn from 14 countries, will advise on anti-racism plans, run education programmes and push reforms across the sport.
“These 16 panel members will support education at all levels of the game and promote new ideas for lasting change,” – FIFA President Gianni Infantino said.
He added the panel must push for a cultural shift so anti-racism measures are “not just talked about, but actioned, both on and off the pitch,” and warned that racism and discrimination should be treated as crimes and fully punished.
FIFA set up the panel to give players a direct line to decision-makers.
Members will design workshops, lead outreach and offer practical recommendations to clubs and national associations.
In short, FIFA wants the group to turn policy into real change in stadiums and online.
Infantino said the panel will contact Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, who suffered racial abuse during Liverpool’s season opener last month.
The step shows FIFA expects the panel to act fast for victims and push for tougher discipline.
Weah, the only African Ballon d’Or winner and a former president of Liberia said he felt honoured to serve and vowed to champion football’s power to unite.
Last year, FIFA raised maximum fines for racist abuse to 5,000,000 Swiss francs (about $6.24m) and approved a three-step anti-discrimination process: a public announcement, match suspension if abuse continues, and match abandonment in severe cases.
Full List of the new 16-member Players’ Voice Panel to tackle racism
George Weah
Emmanuel Adebayor
Mercy Akide
Iván Córdoba
Didier Drogba
Khalilou Fadiga
Formiga
Jessica Houara
Maia Jackman
Sun Jihai
Blaise Matuidi
Aya Miyama
Lotta Schelin
Briana Scurry
Mikaël
Silvestre
Juan Pablo Sorín
