Kathmandu, 31 August. FIFA has taken a significant step towards eradicating racism in football by introducing the ‘No Racism’ gesture, set to debut at the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup Colombia 2024™. Approved unanimously at the 74th FIFA Congress in Bangkok, Thailand, on 17 May 2024, this new global gesture is designed to empower players, referees, and team officials to take a firm stand against racism on the field.
The gesture, symbolized by crossing hands at the wrists, allows players to signal directly to the referee that they are being subjected to racist abuse. This will initiate FIFA’s established three-step procedure, which has been further strengthened with the inclusion of the ‘No Racism’ gesture.
The three-step process begins with the match being stopped upon the referee’s acknowledgment of the signal. If the abuse persists, the match will be suspended, and players and officials will exit the field. Should the racist behavior continue, the final step will see the match abandoned altogether.
This initiative will be applied not only at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup but across all FIFA competitions globally. The gesture is part of FIFA’s comprehensive zero-tolerance policy against all forms of discrimination, a policy that has been shaped through extensive consultation with current and former players worldwide.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said. “Fighting racism is something we all need to stand up and do together, Implementing the ‘No Racism’ gesture at the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup 2024™ in Colombia is a key first step to empowering players throughout the world. Now enshrined in the three-step procedure, we look forward to seeing this rolled out all over the world to maximum effect.”
The introduction of this gesture marks the second of five key action areas in FIFA’s broader strategy to combat racism, reflecting a strong commitment from all 211 FIFA Member Associations to making football a safer and more inclusive space for everyone.
About FIFA:
FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) is the global governing body of football, futsal, and beach soccer. Founded in Paris on May 21, 1904, FIFA’s headquarters are now located in Zurich, Switzerland. The organization is responsible for overseeing international competitions, including the FIFA World Cup, which is one of the most-watched sporting events worldwide.
Source: FIFA
