FIFA calls on George Weah to lead the voting panel of anti-racism players

FIFA unveiled a 16-person players of players littered on Friday to tackle racism in sport, with former balloon d’Or winner George Weah who led the leadership alongside greats such as Didier Drogba and Brazilian Olympic loyal Formiga.

The diverse group includes players of men and women from 14 countries and will advise on anti-racism strategies, participate in educational programs and contribute to reforms in football.

«These 16 panel members will support education at all levels of the game and promote new ideas for lasting change,» said FIFA president Gianni Infantino in a statement.

“They will also insist on a shift in football culture, ensuring that measures to combat racism are not only spoken, but also on the field.

«Let’s be clear about this: racism and discrimination are not only wrong – they are crimes. All incidents of racism, whether it is in stadiums or online, must be fully punished by football and in society.»

When the Antoine -Semenyo of Bournemouth was racially abused on the opening day of the Premier League season in Liverpool last month, Infantino had said that the players’ voting panel would come into contact with the Ghana International.

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«Football brings unity and development. It also improves humanity,» said Weah, the only African player who won the Ballon d’Or and a former president of Liberia.

«I will always make all the efforts, as I have done and keep doing in the past, to promote the sport because football is life. I am honored to serve in this role.»

At the FIFA Congress last year, the world’s administration of football updated its disciplinary code with more fines for racist abuse against players, match officials or team staff, with the maximum limit that is now set at 5,000,000 Swiss francs ($ 6.24 million).

A three-step anti-discrimination procedure has also been adopted, asking the referee to request a public announcement to stop such behavior, suspend the match until it stops, and in some scenarios completely leave the match.

Published on 05 September 2025