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The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, held in the United States and expanded to include 32 clubs, has come under fire, not for its on-field action, but for what was notably missing off the pitch. Despite earlier promises to fight racism in football, FIFA failed to include any clear anti-discrimination messaging during the tournament, prompting widespread criticism from rights groups and fans alike.
FIFA had recently introduced a campaign dubbed
alongside tougher sanctions for racist conduct. These included a new disciplinary code, heavier fines, and an approved “crossed arms” gesture players can use to highlight abuse. But at the Club World Cup, there were no in-stadium videos, slogans, or signs promoting this message, raising alarm among advocacy organizations like Fare, which campaigns against discrimination in football.
Piara Powar, executive director of Fare, expressed concern over the messaging being seemingly “abandoned without explanation.” He suggested FIFA may have avoided public anti-racism stances to avoid conflict with the current U.S. political climate under President Donald Trump, whose administration has actively dismantled many federal diversity and inclusion efforts.
Political Undertones
The decision not to display anti-racism messages is viewed in the context of a wider political environment. Since returning to office, President Trump has taken steps to roll back DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programs. His administration’s involvement in immigration crackdowns including visible federal presence near tournament venues sent a strong signal, especially to undocumented communities, about who felt welcome at the event.
Critics have argued that FIFA’s silence on racism and visible tolerance of these developments risk alienating marginalized fans and undermining the sport’s supposed commitment to inclusion.
FIFA’s Position
In response to the criticism, FIFA emphasized that it still upholds a “zero-tolerance” approach to discrimination and pointed to its updated regulations as proof. These new rules include longer bans and financial penalties for those involved in racist incidents. However, the governing body has yet to explain why there were no visual or symbolic anti-racism efforts at this major global tournament and hasn’t clarified whether future competitions, such as the 2026 World Cup, will address this omission.
Why It Matters
1. Symbolism Has Power: Public displays against racism are critical to setting the tone. Without them, FIFA’s policies may seem hollow.
2. Worrying Precedent: If anti-racism messaging was dropped at the Club World Cup, what might happen at even larger events like the World Cup in 2026?
3. Football’s Influence: As the world’s most popular sport, football holds a unique position in shaping public conversations about race, inclusion, and equality.
Broader Implications
This controversy feeds into wider critiques of FIFA’s leadership under President Gianni Infantino. Many believe that under his tenure, the organization has increasingly prioritized political alliances and commercial interests over its commitment to human rights and social justice. With a growing spotlight on sport’s role in global issues, the governing body now finds itself at a crossroads.
Reflection and the Road Ahead
FIFA’s recent handling of anti-racism messaging reveals a troubling disconnect between its policies and its public presentation. While regulations on paper appear strong, the absence of visible commitment during such a globally watched tournament weakens their impact. Football’s influence stretches beyond the field, it shapes narratives, shifts perceptions, and can either challenge or reinforce societal norms.
Staying silent in moments when leadership is most needed isn’t neutrality, it’s complicity. If FIFA avoids confronting issues of racism in settings where such statements could carry global weight, it risks sending the message that inclusion is conditional, or worse, negotiable.
Looking forward, the 2026 World Cup will be more than just a football tournament, it will be a litmus test of whether FIFA is willing to move beyond symbolic pledges and stand firm in the face of political pressure. Fans, players, and communities will be watching, not just for the goals scored, but for the values defended.
Now is the time for FIFA to reclaim the narrative, to ensure that the global game truly represents all who play and love it. Silence can no longer be part of the strategy. Visibility, accountability, and consistency must lead the way.
