Zurich, 5 September 2025 - FIFA has unveiled a groundbreaking Players’ Voice Panel, bringing together 16 football legends to spearhead the global fight against racism and discrimination in the sport.
The initiative, announced at FIFA headquarters in Zurich, is part of pillar five of the Global Stand Against Racism, a framework unanimously adopted by all 211 member associations at the 74th FIFA Congress in Bangkok last year.
Icons Lead the Movement
The panel unites both men’s and women’s football icons who will guide anti-racism strategies, support education campaigns, monitor reforms, and amplify the No Racism campaign using their lived experiences.
Liberia’s President and former Ballon d’Or winner George Weah has been named honorary captain. He is joined by fellow African greats Didier Drogba (Cote d’Ivoire), Emmanuel Adebayor (Togo), Mercy Akide (Nigeria), and Khalilou Fadiga (Senegal).
Other global representatives include Iván Cordoba (Colombia), Formiga (Brazil), Aya Miyama (Japan), Briana Scurry (USA), and Mikael Silvestre (France).
“Football brings unity and development. It also enhances humanity,” Weah said. “I will always exert all efforts, as I have done in the past and continue to do, to promote the sport because football is life. I am honoured to serve in this role.”
A Landmark Step
FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the panel as historic:
“For the first time, we will have players at the heart of the movement to make change a reality. Racism is not simply wrong – it is a crime. These legends will help us drive education, cultural change, and ensure anti-racism measures are actioned on and off the pitch.”
Five-Pillar Framework
The Global Stand Against Racism is structured around five key pillars:
1. Rules and Sanctions – Stronger punishments, with fines up to CHF 5 million.
2. Action on the Field – Including the three-step anti-discrimination procedure and the “No Racism Gesture.”
3. Criminal Charges – FIFA’s Social Media Protection Service provides evidence packs to prosecute online abusers.
4. Education – Resources for schools, players, coaches, and fans, including the Football for Schools programme.
5. Players’ Voice – Giving former players a central role in advocacy, awareness, and education.
Since the programme’s launch, FIFA has delivered over 100 evidence packs to authorities and monitored more than 33 million online comments for abusive content.
Africa’s Strong Voice
For Africa, where racism has often overshadowed the careers of top players, the presence of Drogba, Weah, Akide, Adebayor, and Fadiga ensures the continent’s perspective will remain central to shaping football’s future.
By engaging with youth tournaments, grassroots football, and elite competitions, the Players’ Voice Panel is expected to help turn symbolic gestures into lasting cultural change.
A Global Push for Change
The panel represents FIFA’s most direct effort yet to put players at the forefront of the fight against racism. With voices drawn from across continents, the initiative seeks not only to confront abuse on the pitch but also to influence broader societal attitudes.
As Infantino noted, “This is about ensuring football reflects the values of respect, equality, and unity at every level - from grassroots to the world stage.”
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