FIFPro Calls for Stronger Safeguards Against Racist Abuse Targeting World Cup Players

Global footballers' union FIFPro said on Saturday that stronger measures are needed to shield players from racist abuse during the World Cup now under way across North America.

In a statement, the Netherlands-headquartered body warned that footballers are caught in what it described as a rising tide of abuse, both on social media platforms and face to face.

"In recent weeks, players have faced abuse online and in person, much of it racist and discriminatory," the union said. "There has been intimidation and hostility beyond the pitch. These incidents are not isolated; they point to a systemic pattern that cannot remain an accepted part of football or society."

FIFPro did not cite individual cases. However, the Netherlands Football Association said that after the Dutch side lost to Morocco in the round of 32, some of its players had been "treated in a racist and discriminatory manner."

The union called on football governing bodies, public officials, and private institutions to step up their response, arguing that monitoring and reporting on their own will not curb harmful conduct or stop players from being hurt.