FIFA has chosen Mercy Akide and Diridier Drogba to join the newly formed players’ voice panel.
Former World Cup winner George Weah leads the charge, while others like Brazilian Olympic stalwart Formiga are also included on the list, according to FIFA’s star-studded 16-member Players’ Voice Panel, which was set up on Friday to combat racism in the sport.
The group, which includes players from 14 different nations, will offer advice on anti-racism strategies, take part in educational initiatives, and support reforms in the sport of football.
In a statement posted on the group’s social media accounts, FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated that “these 16-panel members will support education at all levels of the game and encourage new ideas for lasting change.”
They will make sure measures to combat racism are both on and off the pitch, making sure there are conversations about it and taken.
Let’s be clear: racism and discrimination are crimes, not just wrong. Every racism incident, whether it occurs in a stadium or online, must be completely punished by both the football and society as a whole.
Infantino had promised to contact the Ghana international when he was racially abused on the opening day of the Premier League season against Liverpool last month.
Football promotes development and unity. Weah, the only African player to receive the Ballon d’Or and former leader of Liberia, added that it also strengthens humanity.
Because football is a way of life, I will always work hard, just like I’ve done in the past and still do. I consider myself honored to have this position.
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The maximum fine now set at 5, 000, 000 Swiss francs ($6.24 million) for racist abuse committed against players, match officials, or team staff was updated at the FIFA Congress last year.
The referee also adopted a three-step anti-discrimination strategy that involves suspending the game until it stops, and, in some cases, completely abandoning the game.
Source: Channels TV
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