AFRICA African Legends Africans Abroad Africans Abroad>African Coaches Africans Born Abroad archives archives>African Legends Latest News world football

African activists slam FIFA as anti-racism slogan vanishes from Club World Cup

FIFAs Say no to racism campaign slogan say no to racism   African activists slam FIFA as anti racism slogan vanishes from Club World Cup   AfricaSoccercom

A chorus of African and black equality campaigners have slammed FIFA as anti-racism messages that featured so prominently at recent global tournaments have disappeared at the ongoing Club World Cup in the United States.

The  Football Unites the World slogan that has featured so prominently at recent global tournaments has been dropped at the men’s Club World Cup in the United States which has sparked the concerns.

This comes in the wake of targeted deportation of minorites (including Africans and blacks) in America under President Donald Trump as the time the global football club competition is taking place.

Equality campaginers – many of them based in Africa and within the diaspora – have accused FIFA of “stepping backwards” after the world governing body chose to play down its anti-racism approach.

The switch means that, during the month-long showpiece in the USA, supporters have not seen the familiar No Discrimination armbands, banners or stadium screens that fronted the Qatar 2022 World Cup and last year’s Women’s World Cup.

Critics say that silence rings loudest for African players and fans, who experience racism both on and off the pitch with uncomfortable regularity.

“It is totally shocking that FIFA would drop its anti-racism campaign at the place and time it is needed most in the football and beyond,” Salifou Traore, Mali-based anti-racism campaigner told AfricaSoccer.com.

“In the just-ended football competitions some blacks and African players suffered racist abuse. Same is happening in a country where a lot of minoroties because of their race.

“It is a shame that at this criticial time FIFA chickens out, out of fear but it clearly exposes the fact that FIFA is truly not interested in fighting racism on and off the field. It is cosmetic.”

The Athletic reported that creative material for a dedicated “no racism” push had been approved before the tournament but was shelved at the last moment.

FIFA has declined to confirm or deny the claim, fuelling speculation that the organisation is soft-pedalling because of a hostile political climate in the host nation.

Since January, President Donald Trump’s administration has ordered federal agencies to wind down diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programmes, a move echoed by several US companies.

Campaigners believe that backdrop has made overt anti-racism language a sensitive subject on American soil.

Piara Powar, executive director of the European-based Fare network, told the BBC he was dismayed to see the sharper messaging disappear:

“It is disappointing that it appears there will be no anti-discrimination messaging throughout the Club World Cup.

“In the past such messaging has been well received by supporters, players and civil society.

“It’s more than a shame that a message of inclusion can’t be broadcast to the world, and that those of us who are stakeholders in this area haven’t been informed.

“We know that the US government is volatile and the need for pragmatism is a factor, but the iteration of consistent and progressive values by FIFA is so important.”

FIFA points to wider campaign

Responding to questions, a FIFA spokesperson stressed that Football Unites the World is the organisation’s umbrella drive “displayed in all Club World Cup stadiums before and during matches, as well as on FIFA’s social platforms”.

“FIFA has a firm, zero-tolerance stance against all forms of discrimination and racism,” the statement added, reminding reporters that the FIFA Council had only weeks ago adopted a revised Disciplinary Code aimed at “fighting racist abuse more efficiently and decisively”.

New rules include longer mandatory bans for offenders and heavier fines for clubs or associations whose fans are found guilty.

FIFA also highlighted its existing three-step protocol that empowers referees to pause, suspend or abandon matches in response to discriminatory behaviour, and its social-media protection service that shields players and officials from online hate. “Further activities to reinforce FIFA’s anti-discrimination stance will be implemented in due course,” the spokesperson concluded.

 

African eyes fixed on 2026

With the expanded 48-team World Cup heading to the United States, Canada and Mexico in 2026 – and a record number of African nations set to qualify – the stakes could hardly be higher for supporters across the continent.

They will be looking for proof that the governing body is prepared to do more than talk about unity and will instead place anti-racism at the very heart of its biggest showpiece.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

 Joie Islam Slimani   Islam Slimani Targeted by Four Interested Clubs   AfricaSoccercom
Football Latest News

Islam Slimani Targeted by Four Interested Clubs

Islam Slimani Attracts Premier League Interest Amid Sporting Lisbon Exit Rumours Algerian striker Islam Slimani may be on his way
 Younes Bnou Marzouk 710x398   Juventus Moroccan Younes Bnou Marzouk Loaned to Westerlo   AfricaSoccercom
Football Latest News

Juventus: Moroccan Younes Bnou Marzouk Loaned to Westerlo

Younes Bnou Marzouk Joins Westerlo on Loan from Juventus 19-year-old Moroccan striker Younes Bnou Marzouk is set for a new
 sénégal 710x355   Friendly Senegals Starting XI to Face South Africa   AfricaSoccercom
Football Latest News

Friendly: Senegal’s Starting XI to Face South Africa

Senegal Set to Face South Africa in Friendly After Namibia Victory Senegal will take on South Africa in a friendly
 Manuel Da Costa   Moroccos Marouane Da Costa We Are Humble but Ambitious   AfricaSoccercom
Countries Football Latest News

Morocco’s Marouane Da Costa: “We Are Humble but Ambitious”

**Marouane Da Costa on Morocco’s World Cup Qualifying Hopes Despite Injury** Marouane Da Costa has been omitted from Morocco’s squad
 RIO AVE 201112   CHELSEA RECRUITS GHANAIAN CHRISTIAN ATSU THEN LOANS HIM TO VITESSE ARNHEM   AfricaSoccercom
Blog Football Foreign Leagues Latest News

CHELSEA RECRUITS GHANAIAN CHRISTIAN ATSU THEN LOANS HIM TO VITESSE ARNHEM

The transfer of Ghanaian attacking midfielder Christian Atsu to Chelsea has been officially confirmed. Atsu signed a 5-year contract with
 Faycal Fajr 710x473   La Liga Fayçal Fajr Delighted to Join Deportivo   AfricaSoccercom
Football Latest News

La Liga: Fayçal Fajr Delighted to Join Deportivo

Fayçal Fajr Joins Deportivo La Coruña on Three-Year Deal Deportivo La Coruña have officially announced the signing of Fayçal Fajr

Discover the ultimate blend of luxury and precision with the best replica watch. This stunning timepiece captures the essence of elegance and performance, making it the perfect accessory for both formal and casual occasions. Elevate your style without compromising your budget—experience sophistication today!

[elementor-template id="249733"]