FIFPRO calls for stronger protection for World Cup players against racist abuse

Players’ union FIFPRO said on Saturday that more must be done to protect footballers from racist abuse at the 2026 World Cup in North America.

The Netherlands-based union said in a statement that players faced “a growing pattern of abuse” on social media and in person.

“In recent weeks, players have suffered abuse online and in person, much of it racist and discriminatory,” FIFPRO said.

«There is intimidation and hostility off the pitch. These incidents are not isolated; they point to a systemic pattern that cannot remain an accepted part of football or society.»

FIFPRO did not mention any specific incidents, but the Dutch Football Association said after the Dutch team’s defeat to Morocco in the round of 32 that some players had been «treated in a racist and discriminatory manner».

The union urged football authorities, government officials and private institutions to do more to protect players, saying “monitoring and reporting alone cannot change behavior or prevent harm”.

FIFPRO also said national teams should be treated as an extension of the players’ workplace, where their safety, dignity and well-being must be protected.

Published on July 4, 2026