Soccer legends George Weah and Didier Drogba are among the many high-profile names appointed to a brand new Fifa panel of 16 ex-players which goals to bolster efforts to sort out racism within the recreation.
The game's world governing physique initially introduced the creation of a gamers' voice panel at its annual congress in Thailand in Could 2024.
Former AC Milan striker Weah and ex-Chelsea ahead Drogba have now been named as a part of the group which incorporates gamers – each women and men – from 14 international locations.
The panel will advise on anti-racism methods, take part in instructional programmes and contribute to reforms throughout soccer.
“Soccer brings unity and improvement. It additionally enhances humanity,” mentioned Weah, who has been named because the panel's ‘honorary captain'.
“I'll all the time exert all efforts, as I've completed up to now and proceed to do, to advertise the game as a result of soccer is life. I'm honoured to serve on this position.”
Fifa president Gianni Infantino mentioned the panel members will “assist training in any respect ranges of the sport” and “promote new concepts for lasting change”.
“They are going to additional push for a shift in soccer tradition, ensuring measures to counter racism are usually not simply talked about, however actioned, each on and off the pitch,” Infantino mentioned in an announcement.
“Let's be clear on this: racism and discrimination are usually not merely fallacious – they're crimes. All incidents of racism, whether or not in stadiums or on-line, should be absolutely punished each by soccer and throughout society.”
