George Weah slams football racism disease

Africa’s sole Ballon d’Or winner George Weah has condemned racism in football, describing it as a disease that needs urgent cure through more collaboration and awareness.

The Liberian said this during a two-day workshop in Rabat, Morocco, in his capacity as honorary captain of the newly formed 16-strong FIFA Players’ Voice Panel (PVP).

In a FIFA statement, the former AC Milan striker is quoted as saying racism cannot continue in football, hence, the urgent need to fight it vigilantly.

“What I came here to do is for the world to know that there is no need for racism. We must enjoy the beautiful game, walk together in the stadium, sing together and when we are defeated, we try again. This is what the game is about – enjoy it,” the former Liberia President said.

“I think what is important is for us to forget about calling each other names and embrace each other and make friends – that’s what the world is all about. War is no good. Racism is a disease.

“We cannot continue to condone racism in public spaces, most especially on the field where everybody is supposed to be working together, enjoying together, [so] have fun, enjoy the good of the game.”

Having played football at the highest level for other leading clubs such as AS Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain and winning the 1995 Ballon d’Or, Weah is better placed to fight racism.

“I want to thank FIFA President Gianni Infantino for putting me on this team. I think it’s important for the role that I play in society. As a former footballer and then former leader of the Republic of Liberia, my voice is critical because I played the game; I experienced racism during my time. So, I thought I’m one of the players who will be in a position to say, “No” to racism,” he added.

In his closing remarks at the workshop, FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the gathering as important in the fight against racism.

“The cause that brings us together here is definitely the most important cause that we need to fight for and attack in the right way. And we can do that only if we are working all together, only as a team can we win,” Infantino said.

“We have been talking enough, now we have to act. Of course, it is not easy and sometimes it’s easier not to say something and just to accept what is happening and move on. But that time is over.”

Apart from George Weah, who else is PVP member?

PVP was announced in September and comprises world football legends such as Mercy Akide (Nigeria), ⁠Iván Córdoba (Colombia), Khalilou Fadiga (Senegal), ⁠Jessica Houara (France), ⁠Maia Jackman (New Zealand), ⁠Lotta Schelin (Sweden) and Mikael Silvestre (France).

The body was established under one of the five pillars of FIFA’s Global Stand Against Racism and its members hail from all six football confederations.

PVP’s mission is to monitor and advise on anti-racism strategies, participate in educational initiatives and provide input for reforms.