FIFA take strong stance in fight against racism, lauch new campaign dubbed Players Voice Panel

FIFA has always preached against racism and made several interventions to make sure the vice is eradicated. And the fight is far from over as the global football body continues to make efforts.

The latest is the campaign dubbed the Players’ Voice Panel that was launched on Friday, 5th September 2025, comprised of 16 former footballers who will serve as global ambassadors in driving the message against racism.

“The Players’ Voice Panel champions the Global Stand Against Racism by bringing lived experience and leadership to the fight against racism in football. The panel monitors and advises on anti-racism initiatives based on the Global Stand Against Racism, drives education at all levels of the game and serves as a think tank for new ideas.” Reads a statement from FIFA.

Established under pillar 5 of FIFA’s Global Stand Against Racism – which was unanimously adopted by the 211 FIFA Member Associations at the 74th FIFA Congress in Bangkok, Thailand, on 17 May last year – the Players’ Voice Panel line-up is as follows: honorary captain George Weah (Liberia), Emmanuel Adebayor (Togo), Mercy Akide (Nigeria), Iván Córdoba (Colombia), Didier Drogba (Côte d’Ivoire), Khalilou Fadiga (Senegal), Formiga (Brazil), Jessica Houara (France), Maia Jackman (New Zealand), Sun Jihai (China PR), Blaise Matuidi (France), Aya Miyama (Japan), Lotta Schelin (Sweden), Briana Scurry (United States), Mikaël Silvestre (France) and Juan Pablo Sorín (Argentina).

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said that all the 211 FIFA Member Associations, through the Global Stand Against Racism, made it clear that the world is united against the scourge of racism in football. As part of this, and for the first time ever, the players will be at the heart of the movement required to make this change a reality.

“These 16 panel members will support education at all levels of the game and promote new ideas for lasting change. They will further push for a shift in football culture, making sure measures to counter racism are not just talked about, but actioned, both on and off the pitch. Let’s be clear on this: Racism and discrimination are not simply wrong – they are crimes. All incidents of racism, whether in stadiums or online, must be fully punished both by football and across society.” Said the FIFA President.

As part of the No Racism and No Discrimination campaigns, FIFA shares educational materials with players, coaches, officials and spectators, while the launch of an in-depth e-learning tool for MAs is planned for later this year. The work under pillar 4 also extends to children and young people, with No Discrimination campaign resources delivered through the FIFA Football for Schools Programme. The Players’ Voice Panel plays a central role in advancing the Global Stand Against Racism and will also play a particularly active role in developing and delivering educational initiatives.