Rights Groups Criticise FIFA’s Silence
World football governing body FIFA has come under fire for omitting anti-racism messaging at the ongoing 2025 Club World Cup in the United States, raising concerns among rights groups and stakeholders in the fight against discrimination.
Despite FIFA’s vocal commitment to anti-racism initiatives, most notably the ‘No Discrimination’ armbands at the Qatar 2022 World Cup and a recently revised disciplinary code aimed at tackling racist abuse, the tournament has instead featured only the more generic ‘Football Unites the World’ slogan.
Prepared Campaign Material Reportedly Shelved
According to The Athletic, promotional materials for a dedicated anti-racism campaign were prepared but ultimately not used. FIFA has so far declined to explain why the materials were not displayed at the tournament.
Political Climate Raises Questions
Critics say the omission sends the wrong message, especially amid growing political tension around diversity and inclusion in the United States following President Donald Trump’s rollback of federal diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programmes.
Piara Powar, executive director of anti-discrimination group Fare, described FIFA’s silence on the matter as “disappointing”.,
“In the past, such messaging has been well received by fans and civil society. “It’s more than a shame that a message of inclusion can’t be broadcast to the world,” Powar said. “We know the U.S. political climate is volatile, but FIFA should show consistent and progressive values, regardless of the host nation.”
FIFA Defends Global Slogan
FIFA responded by defending its current campaign, stating, “‘Football Unites the World’ is FIFA’s global platform, visible across all Club World Cup venues and digital channels. We maintain a zero-tolerance stance on all forms of discrimination.”
The governing body cited the introduction of its revised Disciplinary Code, increased sanctions for racist incidents, and the availability of a social media protection service for players and officials. It also noted that the three-step anti-discrimination protocol remains active at the tournament.
Critics Demand Stronger Visibility
However, critics argue these measures fall short without visible, explicit messaging on a global stage. Evan Whitfield, chair of the U.S.-based Human Rights Soccer Alliance, called the shift a “step backwards”:
“A generic slogan doesn’t communicate a stance against racism. FIFA should be consistent, whether in Qatar, Russia, or the U.S.”
Symbolic Protests Emerge in U.S. Soccer
The controversy comes amid a broader political and social backdrop in the U.S. In a symbolic protest, players from the NWSL side Angel City wore jerseys reading “Immigrant City Football Club” in response to immigration raids and protests in Los Angeles.
Call for Reversal
Anti-racism organisation Kick It Out also voiced concern: “FIFA’s decision is deeply troubling, especially after recently stressing the importance of tackling discrimination. Visibility is crucial, and the Club World Cup is a global platform to reaffirm that stance.”
