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Following growing international criticism over its perceived inaction against racism in football, FIFA briefly displayed anti-racism messaging during the FIFA Club World Cup but only for one day sparking fresh outrage and renewed debate about the organization’s commitment to tackling discrimination in the sport.
On June 18, banners reading “Say No to Racism” and “Football Unites the World” were visible in the stadiums and on digital screens during the semifinal match between Manchester City and Al Ahly in Jeddah. Players also stood behind a “Stop Racism” banner during the pre-match team photo. However, the messaging was notably absent during other matches of the tournament, including the final.
The move came in response to backlash over FIFA’s silence on several recent incidents of racist abuse, including high-profile cases involving players in European leagues and complaints from African and South American football federations about persistent discrimination on and off the pitch.
Backlash Over Limited Action
Critics say FIFA’s one-day display was a superficial gesture designed to quell criticism without implementing meaningful change. Human rights organizations, players’ unions, and fans accused the global football governing body of doing the bare minimum.
“Showing anti-racism messages for a single game is not leadership. It’s damage control,” said Piara Powar
executive director of the Fare Network, an organization that combats discrimination in football.
“This only proves that FIFA still treats racism as a PR issue, not a structural problem that needs a long-term, consistent approach.”
The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) echoed these concerns, stating that while symbolic gestures have their place, they must be part of a broader framework that includes education, punishment for offenders, and protection for players and fans.
Player Reactions
Several players have publicly voiced their disappointment. Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku called the gesture
“empty,” adding, “We don’t need banners for one match. We need real action week after week.”
Al Ahly captain Mohamed El Shenawy remarked in a post-match press conference:
“We welcome any anti-racism initiative, but for it to be effective, it must be visible and consistent not just when there’s pressure.”
FIFA’s Defense
FIFA responded to the criticism in a brief statement, saying,
“We remain committed to fighting racism and all forms of discrimination in football. The anti-racism messaging at the FIFA Club World Cup was part of our ongoing awareness efforts.”
However, the organization has not provided details about why the messaging was limited to one day or what specific steps it plans to take moving forward.
A Pattern of Minimalism?
This is not the first time FIFA has been accused of insufficient responses to racism. While the organization has launched campaigns like
“Say No to Racism” and “Football Unites the World,”
critics say these efforts often lack follow-through and fail to address the root causes of racism in football’s structures, such as unequal representation in leadership and inconsistent disciplinary actions across federations.
In contrast, UEFA Europe’s football governing body and some national leagues have taken more visible stances, including points deductions, stadium bans, and criminal investigations against perpetrators of racist abuse. FIFA’s global reach gives it the platform and responsibility to set the tone, advocates argue.
What’s Next?
Calls are growing for FIFA to implement a mandatory anti-racism policy across all tournaments and confederations, including:
• Consistent in-stadium messaging and awareness campaigns
• Clear reporting and disciplinary mechanisms
• Funding for grassroots education and anti-discrimination initiatives
• Greater representation of ethnic minorities in decision-making positions
With the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup having expanded to a 32-team format and drawing global attention, activists say the time for performative action is over.
“If FIFA truly believes in unity and inclusion, it must show it not just for one match, but every day, in every country, at every level of the game,” said former French international Lilian Thuram, now a prominent anti-racism advocate.
As football continues to be a global platform for culture and identity, FIFA faces mounting pressure to lead the way not just with slogans, but with sustained and systemic change.