Post by FIFA

FIFA holds landmark gathering on the eve of International Day for Countering Hate Speech. To mark the International Day for Countering Hate Speech on 18 June, an elite group of players, including George Weah, as well as policymakers and technology experts came together for a panel discussion focused on safeguarding the game and preserving football as a global force for unity. Held on the eve of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ match between Czechia and South Africa at the Atlanta Stadium, the panel discussion focused on driving actionable solutions with the aim to end hate speech, safeguard the game and preserve football as a global force for unity, for sport and society. The event, titled ‘Stop hate, protect football - What actually works against hate speech?’, moved past standard awareness raising to explore concrete interventions against discrimination, racism, and abuse - both on and off the pitch. Mr Weah said: “There are a lot of elements which want to destroy the game. Football is a game of peace, a game of unity. What we are trying to do here, with FIFA and [FIFA President] Gianni Infantino, we are doing at the right time. "If we allow these things to slide down, the beautiful game will be destroyed. And that’s why we are fighting, we are trying to educate young people so they grow into loving people, not just people who love the game. Discrimination should not be part of our society.”

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