FIFA has taken strict action against cyberbullying

The FIFAwithin International Day Against Hate Speech, which is celebrated this June 18, has asserted its fight against cyberbullying, which can be seen in actions such as the expansion at the beginning of this year of access to the social network protection service (SMPS, in English) for the 211 member federations.

Since its debut at the World Cup in Qatar, SMPS has analyzed 30 million posts and comments on the accounts of 3,381 players and 160 teams during 11 FIFA events; including championships, qualifying matches and friendlies,” the organization explained.

“The service hid 2.6 million offensive comments so that the recipient could not read to whom they were addressed, protecting them from potential psychological harm. The most violent offensive content (a total of 30,883 cases) was reported in platform of the relevant social networks, leading to concrete measures taken against the offenders, such as the suspension of their accounts, the strengthening of the connection between the football authorities and the corresponding judicial system of each association of member is very important,” he added.

Its president, Gianni Infantino, also spoke about this matter: “On the UN International Day to Counter Hate Speech, I want to firmly reiterate that FIFA will always oppose hate being part of football; and the protection of Social media services are an important tool that we can use in our fight to eradicate hatred from our sport.

“We’ve seen how effective the service is in FIFA competitions, and it’s logical that we make it available to FIFA’s 211 member associations – wherever they play and whenever they play. We need to protect against abuse for everyone of players, coaches, national team and delegation members, as well as their followers,” he added.

In addition, he glimpsed the importance of banishing racism from football: “Just as football unites the world, the fight against racism and all forms of discrimination must unite us all. The global stand against racism that Congress recently adopted “FIFA is a powerful message and, with the help of law enforcement and tools like social media protection services, it’s a fight we can win.”

For his part, Ghada Waly, executive director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), said: “Abuse, racism and hate speech, both online and offline, have no place in football. or in life, the integrity of the sport and affects the mental well-being of players, coaches and officials.

“We must ensure that football remains a safe and inclusive space for all, especially women and girls, who are more at risk of gender-based violence. I commend the stance taken by FIFA to address the abuse and racism online. UNODC is committed to eliminating all forms of discrimination in sport to achieve a more peaceful world,” he concluded.