The former PSG and AC Milan forward is collaborating with FIFA to tackle discrimination through its new global initiative.
George Weah, the Liberian football legend and former President, is now focused on a new mission: eradicating racism from the sport. In Rabat, Morocco, he chaired the FIFA panel of players for the new Global Stance against Racism, an initiative unanimously approved by the 211 federations at FIFA’s Congress in Bangkok in May 2024.
The panel comprises 16 former players from various countries, tasked with developing concrete actions to combat racism both on and off the pitch. Notable members include Mercy Akide (Nigeria), Ivan Cordoba (Colombia), Khalilou Fadiga (Senegal), Jessica Houara (France), Maia Jackman (New Zealand), Lotta Schelin (Sweden), and Mikael Silvestre (France).
“I am here to show that racism has no place in football. Sport is joy, unity. We go to the stadium to sing together, celebrate together, and when we lose, we try again. That’s football,” said Weah.
The Liberian emphasised the importance of coexistence, stating: “Racism is a disease. We need to learn to accept others with open arms and make friends. In football, everyone works and has fun together – that’s how it should be.”
Alongside Weah, FIFA President Gianni Infantino underscored the need to translate discourse into action: “We talk a lot; now it’s time to act. Only as a team can we win this fight. Staying silent is no longer an option.”
The meeting also saw the participation of Secretary-General Mattias Grafstrom, Football Director Jill Ellis, and Deputy Director of Federations Gelson Fernandes, along with other FIFA administration representatives.
Weah commended FIFA and Infantino’s commitment to promoting diversity and equality, stating: “Diversity is what makes FIFA what it is. We have a leader who listens to everyone. In the same boat, we are a family sailing towards solidarity and peace.”
The panel includes members from 14 federations across the six FIFA confederations, with a mandate to monitor anti-racism policies, support educational initiatives, and propose reforms. During the meeting, representatives from the English and German federations shared best practices, while Piara Powar of the Fare Network discussed the role of anti-discrimination observers at matches.
