By Samindra Kunti in Philadephia, USA
June 19 – Countering a major international backlash, FIFA played anti-racism messages at Wednesday’s Club World Cup matches to mark the International Day for Countering Hate Speech.
The video messages followed FIFA’s decision to drop anti-racism messages during the first days of the new-fangled competition.
In the United States, FIFA has simply promoted its “Football Unites The World” slogan, but on the fifth day of competition the world governing body decided to say no to racism again and broadcast a video explaining FIFA’s anti-racism protocols.
FIFA also advertised the organisation’s “universal anti-racism gesture” before the group stage match between Manchester City and Wydad Casablana at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. More messages were displayed at the day’s second match between Real Madrid and Al Hilal in Miami.
FIFA dressed up the messaging as a part of the International Day for Countering Hate Speech. In a statement, FIFA reiterated its commitment to football without hate, highlighting its Social Media Protection Service (SMPS). However, the messaging will not be featured during the rest of the tournament.
The world governing body has long claimed that football is a force for good and promoted – to a limited degree – anti-discrimination messages at previous major tournaments, but in the United States, FIFA decided that even paying lip service would no longer be necessary.
That decision, and the timing, has fueled speculation over the motives. Infantino has developed a close relationship with US President Donald Trump, who has abolished the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion mantra.
Wednesday’s video messaging highlighted the “crossed arms” gesture – which FIFA rolled out last year at the organisation’s congress in Bangkock, Thailand.
Flanked by legends of the game, Infantino took to the floor to emphasise how strongly FIFA was committed to the fight against racism. The gesture allowed players to signal racist abuse to the referee, triggering a three-step procedure. However, since its introduction it has not been used.
Contact the writer of this story, Samindra Kunti, at moc.l1750344029labto1750344029ofdlr1750344029owedi1750344029sni@i1750344029tnuk.1750344029ardni1750344029mas1750344029