FIFA has unveiled the 16 members of its new Players’ Voice Panel, a group of football legends tasked with driving the fight against racism within the game.
The panel, which includes honorary captain George Weah and 2018 World Cup winner Blaise Matuidi, will serve as a global think tank, advising on anti-racism initiatives, driving education across all levels of football, and ensuring consistent implementation of the Global Stand Against Racism campaign.
Formed under pillar five of FIFA’s Global Stand Against Racism – adopted unanimously by all 211 member associations at the 74th FIFA Congress in Bangkok last year – the panel features iconic names such as Didier Drogba, Emmanuel Adebayor, Mercy Akide, Formiga, Lotta Schelin, and Briana Scurry.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino stressed the panel’s importance:
“For the first time ever, we will have players at the heart of the movement to make this change a reality. Racism and discrimination are not simply wrong – they are crimes. All incidents, whether in stadiums or online, must be punished fully by football and across society.”
The panel will also play a key educational role, engaging youth players at FIFA tournaments and raising awareness of newly strengthened anti-racism measures approved by the FIFA Council.
Weah, Liberia’s president and Africa’s only Ballon d’Or winner, expressed his pride in taking up the role:
“Football brings unity and development. It also enhances humanity. I will always exert all efforts to promote the sport because football is life. I am honoured to serve in this role.”
By combining lived experience and leadership, FIFA believes this group can help ensure lasting cultural change – on and off the pitch.
