•Victor Osimhen
At the 74th FIFA Congress in Bangkok on May 17, 2024, a global gesture to combat racist abuse in football was unanimously approved.
The “No Racism” gesture, which involves crossing arms at the wrists, will be introduced at the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup Colombia 2024™, reports The Nation.
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen and renowned retired Italian referee Pierluigi Collina were featured in a campaign photo promoting the initiative.
The gesture will be integrated into the existing three-step procedure for addressing racism. Players, referees, and team officials will use the gesture to alert the referee to racist abuse.
The first step involves stopping the match. If abuse persists, the second step requires suspending the match and evacuating the field.
If necessary, the final step involves abandoning the match altogether.
The “No Racism” gesture will be adopted across all FIFA competitions and incorporated into the mandatory three-step procedure for all FIFA Member Associations, ensuring its global implementation.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasised the importance of collective action against racism, stating, “Implementing the ‘No Racism’ gesture at the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup 2024™ is a crucial step in empowering players worldwide. We are eager to see this initiative adopted globally.”
FIFA’s zero-tolerance policy against discrimination has led to extensive consultations with players worldwide, reflecting a strong commitment to change and inclusivity in football.
