Football legends George Weah and Didier Drogba are among 16 former international players appointed to a newly formed FIFA panel aimed at intensifying the fight against racism in football.
The initiative, known as the “Players’ Voice Anti-Racism Panel,” was first announced at FIFA’s annual congress in Thailand in May 2024. It brings together male and female football veterans from 14 countries to advise on anti-racism strategies, lead educational efforts, and support reforms across the sport.
George Weah, former AC Milan striker and President of Liberia, has been named the panel’s honorary captain.
“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.”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized the panel’s role in driving meaningful change: “They will support education at all levels of the game and promote new ideas for lasting change. Racism and discrimination are not simply wrong—they are crimes. All incidents, whether in stadiums or online, must be fully punished both by football and across society.”
The panel includes a diverse lineup of football greats:
George Weah (Liberia), Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast), Emmanuel Adebayor (Togo), Mercy Akide (Nigeria), Ivan Cordoba (Colombia), Khalilou Fadiga (Senegal), Formiga (Brazil), Jessica Houara (France), Maia Jackman (New Zealand), Sun Jihai (China PR), Blaise Matuidi (France), Aya Miyama (Japan), Lotta Schelin (Sweden), Briana Scurry (United States), Mikael Silvestre (France), Juan Pablo Sorin (Argentina)
