George Weah, Didier Drogba and Emmanuel Adebayor join FIFA panel to combat racism in football

FIFA has launched a new panel of high-profile former players and football personalities tasked with leading the global fight against racism in the sport.

The initiative brings together some of the most recognisable figures in world football, including Liberia’s George Weah, Ivory Coast legend Didier Drogba, and former Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor.

For the first time, the campaign places players rather than administrators at the heart of the effort, with the panel drawing on their first-hand experiences of discrimination on and off the pitch.

The diverse group spans continents and generations, highlighting football’s global commitment to tackling the issue.

Alongside Weah, Drogba and Adebayor, the line-up features France’s Blaise Matuidi, Nigeria’s Mercy Akide, Colombia’s Iván Córdoba, Senegal’s Khalilou Fadiga, Brazil’s Formiga, Jessica Houara of France, Maia Jackman of New Zealand, China’s Sun Jihai, Aya Miyama of Japan, Sweden’s Lotta Schelin, former USA goalkeeper Briana Scurry, Mikaël Silvestre of France and Argentina’s Juan Pablo Sorín.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino welcomed the involvement of such influential voices, stressing the importance of their contribution to football’s wider battle against discrimination.

We are deeply honored that such passionate and exceptional people are sharing their unique experiences, Infantino said. It is crucial to understand that racism and discrimination are not only deeply reprehensible, but are real crimes. We must condemn all instances of racism, whether in stadiums or online, both in football and in society at large.

The decision to assemble a player-led task force underlines FIFA’s recognition that those who have lived through racist abuse are best placed to drive change.

Many of the members, including Drogba, Weah and Adebayor, have spoken openly in the past about the challenges they faced during their careers and the urgent need for stronger action within the game.

The panel is expected to provide strategic input, raise awareness, and act as a bridge between the governing body and players worldwide, ensuring that anti-racism initiatives resonate at every level of the sport.

With members drawn from Africa, Europe, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas, the group represents a truly global front against one of football’s most persistent problems.

By mobilising some of its most celebrated former stars, FIFA hopes to bring fresh urgency and visibility to its fight against racism.

The panel’s work is set to focus not only on incidents within stadiums but also on growing challenges online, where abuse of players continues to be a major concern.