Introduction to the FIFA Panel of Players’ Voices
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has announced the composition of its Panel of Players’ Voices, a group of 16 legendary footballers and female players committed to eradicating racism in global football, according to the official statement on their website.
Panel Composition and Objectives
The Panel of Players’ Voices comprises 16 distinguished individuals from both men’s and women’s football, including George Weah (Liberia), Emmanuel Adebayor (Togo), Mercy Akide (Nigeria), Iván Córdoba (Colombia), Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast), Khalilou Fadiga (Senegal), Formiga (Brazil), Jessica Houara (France), Maia Jackman (New Zealand), Sun Jihai (China), Blaise Matuidi (France), Aya Miyama (Japan), Lotta Schelin (Sweden), Briana Scurry (United States), Mikaël Silvestre (France), and Juan Pablo Sorín (Argentina).
The panel’s responsibilities include supervising and advising on anti-racism initiatives based on the Global Declaration Against Racism, promoting education across all levels of football, and serving as a reflection center for new ideas to ensure long-lasting and responsible impact both on and off the pitch.
FIFA President’s Statement
According to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, the panel is “the result of a unanimous vote” from FIFA’s 211 member associations, who have clearly expressed their unity against racism in football through the Global Declaration Against Racism.
“For the first time, players will be at the heart of the necessary movement to realize this change,” Infantino added. He emphasized that the panel will support education at all levels of football and promote new ideas for lasting change, driving cultural transformation in football and ensuring racism-combating measures are implemented both on and off the field.
Panel’s Role in Combating Racism
FIFA has stressed that racism and discrimination are not only wrong but criminal acts, and all instances of racism, whether in stadiums or online, should be strictly penalized both in football and society at large.
The panel members will play a crucial role in educating various groups about racism, including young players participating in FIFA’s youth tournaments. By focusing on the impact of this abuse on players, others, and football as a sport, the panel will provide practical support and advice.
These recommendations will focus on joining forces to oppose racism, which is considered a criminal act in many countries. Additionally, panel members will work to raise awareness in their regions about recently reinforced anti-racism measures approved by the FIFA Council.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the purpose of FIFA’s Panel of Players’ Voices? The panel aims to promote the Global Declaration Against Racism, advocate for education in football at all levels, and serve as a platform for new ideas to ensure long-lasting change in the sport.
- Who are the members of FIFA’s Panel of Players’ Voices? The panel comprises 16 former football players and female athletes from various countries, including George Weah, Emmanuel Adebayor, Mercy Akide, Iván Córdoba, Didier Drogba, Khalilou Fadiga, Formiga, Jessica Houara, Maia Jackman, Sun Jihai, Blaise Matuidi, Aya Miyama, Lotta Schelin, Briana Scurry, Mikaël Silvestre, and Juan Pablo Sorín.
- What will the panel focus on regarding racism in football? The panel will educate different groups about racism, focusing on its impact on players, others, and football as a sport. They will provide practical support and advice on combating racism, both on and off the field.
- How will the panel address racism in football? The panel members will work to raise awareness about recently reinforced anti-racism measures approved by the FIFA Council and ensure that racist incidents are penalized strictly in football and society.
