Players’ Voice Panel honorary captain George Weah determined to rid football of “disease” of racism
“Football legend and former President of the Republic of Liberia leads 16-strong Players’ Voice Panel (PVP) comprising legends of the game
George Weah: “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”
PVP gathered physically for the first time in Rabat, Morocco
“Football icon George Weah has 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.”
“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. ”George Weah”
“Weah, who won numerous honors 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.”
