—- As WEAH Lauds FIFA, OTHERS
IPNEWS: The international governing body of association football (soccer), futsal, and beach soccer (FIFA) has honored former Liberian international footballer and Ex-President, George Weah, by unveiling a commemorative inscription dedicated to him at its newly constructed Africa headquarters in Morocco.
The inscription reads: “It is not what the game gives you, it is what you give it.” George Weah
In a statement to Mr. Gianni Infantino, PRESIDENT, Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA), former WORLD Best Goerge Weah, assure FIFA that, alongside the esteemed professionals appointed with him, they will work assiduously through the panel to find effective solutions to eliminate the ugly scourge of racism from the beautiful game, both on and off the pitch.
Weah on behalf of the panel members, also assured FIFA President Infantino that as ‘individuals who have personally experienced racism during their own careers, they understand how profoundly damaging it is — not just to the sport, but to players, fans, supporters, and humanity at large.
Football icon George Weah called on football fans to “forget about calling each other names and embrace each other” as part of the fight to rid football of racism during a two-day session of the FIFA Players’ Voice Panel (PVP) in Rabat, Morocco.
“I have always been committed to serving FIFA in various roles, including as a member of the FIFA Football Committee, and I will continue to do so now with unwavering dedication. We are eager to begin this critical work.
To my fellow distinguished panelists, it is a proud moment working with all of you as together, we strive to kick racism out of the beautiful game, for the good of the game, and for humanity.” EX-World Best George Weah, LEAD, FIFA Players’ Voices Panel on Racism stated.
Established under one of the five pillars of FIFA’s Global Stand Against Racism – which was unanimously adopted by the 211 FIFA Member Associations at the 74th FIFA Congress in Bangkok, Thailand, on 17 May 2024 – the PVP is a 16-strong group comprising legends of the men’s and women’s game who are fully committed to bringing an end to racism in football.
“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,” said former Liberia international forward Weah, who served as President of the Republic of Liberia for six years between 2018 and 2024 and is the PVP’s honorary captain. “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.” Weah, who won numerous honours during a playing career in which he starred for the likes of AS Monaco, Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan, added: “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.” The workshop was chaired by Mr Weah, and included FIFA President Gianni Infantino who provided the closing remarks. FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström, Chief Football Officer Jill Ellis and Deputy Chief Member Associations Officer Gelson Fernandes together with other members of the FIFA Administration were also in attendance. 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,” said President Infantino addressing the PVP. “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.” He added: “You have done great work in the last two days. We are continuing this work together. This is the beginning of our actions, and let’s make sure that our voice, that your voice, the players’ voice is heard.”
