16 former international football players have been chosen by FIFA to serve on its newly established players’ voice panel, which aims to address racism and discrimination in the sport. Among them are Ivorian great Didier Drogba and former Super Falcons striker Mercy Akide.
FIFA said on Friday on its social media accounts that Akide, a three-time Women’s World Cup veteran, was selected along with former international players from 14 member associations in all six FIFA confederations.
Khalilou Fadiga of Senegal and Togo’s Emmanuel Adebayor are two more African football legends on the list.
Among the other members of the global panel are Iván Córdoba from Colombia, Formiga from Brazil, Jessica Houara from France, Maia Jackman from New Zealand, Sun Jihai from China PR, Blaise Matuidi from France, Aya Miyama from Japan, Lotta Schelin from Sweden, Briana Scurry from the United States, Mikaël Silvestre from France, and Juan Pablo Sorín from Argentina.
FIFA claims that the panelists will emphasize the impact of abuse on players and football in general, draw attention to improved anti-racism educational initiatives in their areas, and offer helpful guidance on reaction tactics.
Gianni Infantino, head of FIFA, claimed that the former athletes’ personal stories will help the worldwide anti-racism movement.
He declared, “These 16 panelists will encourage new ideas for long-lasting change and support education at all levels of the game.”
They will continue to advocate for a change in football culture, ensuring that anti-racism initiatives are implemented both on and off the field.
To be clear, racism and prejudice are crimes rather than just being wrong. Football and society at large must thoroughly punish any instances of racism, whether they occur in stadiums or online.
The 74th FIFA Congress last year overwhelmingly supported FIFA’s global fight against racism, which includes the establishment of the players’ voice panel under pillar five.
With recent occurrences documented in some of the largest leagues in the world, racism in football has continued to be a problem.
