When FIFA recently announced the launch of their new anti-racism panel, one name jumped out: George Weah. The former Ballon d’Or winner and ex-president of Liberia is now in a position to help lead the battle against discrimination in football. Weah connects his football accomplishments to political authority and leadership with credibility and legitimacy to contribute to a new form of endeavor.

This is no ordinary anti-racism panel; it is 16 ex-players from every continent and corner of the world coming together under the idea of looking beyond slogans and sanctions, and even accountability, to ask the questions that may lead to cultural change and a lasting and sustainable anti-racism picture in football.

For years, racism in football has been front-page news. Monkey chants in stadiums and players being attacked by social media abuse (and sometimes worse) illustrate football’s challenges to rid itself of these darker side of the beautiful game (and society!) As much as the panel is important on its own; FIFA’s invitation for Weah sends a signal that it represents much more than punishment, and gives football an opportunity to tackle its own moral compass.

Who is George Weah? Football Legend and Political Leader

George Weah’s story is a modern day football fairy tale. Born in Monrovia, Liberia, he overcame a challenging childhood to establish himself as possibly the best striker of his generation. In 1995, he became the first African player to win the Ballon d’Or award. He had successful playing careers with Monaco, Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan.

Weah was also significant not just for the abilities he demonstrated on the pitch, but rather, Weah utilized his football career as a platform for engaging with sport and a local political context and in 2018, was elected president of Liberia, campaigning on ideas of development, unity and education. In addition to his football legacy, he has earned respect of many due to everything he has achieved with politics on the African continent and elsewhere.

That combination of football credibility and political succes is exactly why FIFA turned to Weah. He knows the game, diplomacy and he knows what it is like to be African player in a sport stained by racism.

Why FIFA Created the New Anti-Racism Panel

Football has had a long, troubled relationship with racism. While many have undoubtedly heard the phrase “Say No to Racism,” progress continues to crawl forward. A steady stream of high-profile incidents in World Cup qualifiers, domestic leagues, and international friendlies, shows that sanctions alone do not sufficiently resolve the issue at hand.

In June 2023, FIFA president Gianni Infantino re-initiated FIFA’s anti-racism efforts, pledging “player-led action”. The logic seems solid: Players understand the underlying problem better. They have received discriminatory abuse from the crowd or on social media.

The Players’ Voice Panel – which Weah will chair – is designed to correct that disconnect, and provide a mandate to:

• Advise FIFA on anti-racism strategy.
• Monitor implementation by the 211 member federations.
• Educate fans, players and match officials.
• Take disciplinary action when necessary.
• Act as an incubator for creative solutions.

Moreover, the initiative is more than theoretical; FIFA has already sanctioned six federations – Argentina included – for discriminatory behavior at the 2024 World Cup qualifiers. The new panel is positioned to ensure that punishment is associated with a wider strategic effort and not isolated reactions

Key Members of the Players’ Voice Panel

The anti-racism panel draws on the anti-racism agenda’s strength in the nature of the group. It includes icons from six confederations and from both men’s and women’s football. From athletes who are household names to those who are celebrated legends in their regional contexts, we have an extraordinary group of leaders.

• George Weah (Liberia, Chair)
• Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast)
• Emmanuel Adebayor (Togo)
• Mercy Akide (Nigeria)
• Iván Córdoba (Colombia)
• Khalilou Fadiga (Senegal)
• Formiga (Brazil)
• Jessica Houara (France)
• Maia Jackman (New Zealand)
• Sun Jihai (China)
• Blaise Matuidi (France)
• Aya Miyama (Japan)
• Lotta Schelin (Sweden)
• Briana Scurry (United States)
• Mikaël Silvestre (France)
• Juan Pablo Sorín (Argentina)

The diversity of this group guarantees a diversity of culture, history, and lived experiences of racism that is both global in scope and sufficiently nuanced to take into account specific regional experiences.

FIFA’s History of Fighting Racism in Football

This is not FIFA’s first attempt into addressing racism. In 2013, FIFA established an anti-racist task force with active players like Yaya Touré and Jozy Altidore. The committee was established following the incident when AC Milan’s Kevin-Prince Boateng walked off the pitch to protest racist chants in the game.

As with many good ideas, the anti-racism task force was abolished in 2016 under Infantino’s leadership and FIFA came under criticism for abandoning the fight against discrimination. Campaigns moved forward, but player-driven leadership was missing and didn’t have real weight.

A player-led framework returning, this time with retired icons, is FIFA’s way of acknowledging prior mistakes. By giving Weah, and others, permission to lead, FIFA hopes to establish a movement that lasts.

How Weah’s Political Background Shapes His Leadership

George Weah is not simply another high-profile retired footballer; through his six years in Liberia as president, experienced the complexity of a social context that retains social issues, such as poverty and security. He knows what it means to pursue diplomatic, negotiative and reform perspectives.

As chair of panel, Weah will be able to:

• Advocate for genuinely holding federations accountable when they fail to address racism.
• Encourage education schemes in developing football nations.
• Help bridge cultural divides with his African experience, European experience, and now political experiences.

In Weah’s own words, “Football brings unity and development. It enhances humanity. I will always do all I can to promote the sport because football is life.”

Can This Panel Finally Bring Change?

George Weah’s job as chair of FIFA’s new anti-racism panel is more than symbolic. It represents that football needs leaders who understand the issue not only from the pitch but also from the political arena.

Weah faces challenges. The abuse in stadiums, the hatred on social media and uneven enforcement aren’t going to disappear overnight. There is, however, some legitimate hope that under Weah and with the leadership of 15 additional global icons, football can move beyond slogans, and take meaningful action in its fight against racism across the world.

The panel won’t only protect players. It will protect football. The world’s game should not be used to bridge divides, but rather to amplify unity.