Global footballers’ union FIFPRO has called for greater efforts to combat hate online and in person after members were verbally abused during the World Cup in North America.
It said important steps had already been taken but they were not sufficient given much of the abuse is “racist and discriminatory.”
“There must be meaningful consequences for those responsible and a collective commitment from groups, including law enforcement, social media platforms, media, fans and the public, to reverse this trend,” a FIFPRO statement said on Saturday.
“As tournament pressure builds, FIFPRO urges everyone to play their part in protecting players.”
