Soccer is the world’s most popular sport and brings together players and fans from every background. That same visibility means racism and other forms of discrimination, in stadiums and online, have a large impact. Governing bodies, clubs, players and fans all have tools to fight it.
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Action during matches
FIFA and UEFA use a three-step procedure when racist abuse occurs during a match:
the referee stops the game and an announcement is made;
if the abuse continues, the players are taken off the pitch for a period;
if it still continues, the match can be abandoned.
In 2024, FIFA members also endorsed a standard gesture (crossed wrists) for players to signal racist abuse to the referee.
Sanctions and reporting
Governing bodies can fine clubs, order matches behind closed doors, deduct points and ban individuals from stadiums. Reporting apps and stewards help identify offenders. Online abuse is harder to address; clubs and leagues work with social media platforms and police to identify and prosecute offenders.
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Education and campaigns
Campaigns such as Kick It Out in England (founded in 1993) and UEFA’s anti-discrimination initiatives work with clubs, schools and supporters. Education for young players and coaches, and clear club policies, build a culture where discrimination is not tolerated.
Diversity in leadership
Players from diverse backgrounds are well represented on the pitch in many countries, but much less so among coaches, executives and administrators. Programs that support coaching qualifications and fair recruitment aim to close this gap.
Making the game inclusive
Inclusion goes beyond racism: women and girls, disabled players, LGBTQ+ players and fans, and people with low incomes all face barriers. Formats such as walking football, powerchair football and blind football (a Paralympic sport) open the game to more people.
Fair play and ethics
Fair play means respecting opponents, officials and the laws. Ethical issues in soccer also include match-fixing, doping and the treatment of young players in transfers. Governing bodies have ethics codes and integrity units, but enforcement depends on transparent governance; see soccer governance and corruption. Inclusion also starts at the grassroots; read growing women’s soccer.
