The FIFA Players' Voice Panel (PVP), led by honorary captain George Weah, has emerged from its first meeting since the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a forceful declaration: the fight against racism and discrimination in football is far from over, and the Panel's commitment has never been stronger.

Convened at FIFA's Paris office — with some members attending online — the Panel brought together 16 male and female former players from 14 FIFA Member Associations, representing all six continental confederations. FIFA Deputy Chief Member Associations Gelson Fernandes and FIFA's Head of Human Rights & Anti-Discrimination Gerd Dembowski also attended, serving as the Panel's secretariat on behalf of FIFA.

A clear mandate, an unwavering mission

Established in September 2025, the PVP operates within FIFA's Global Stand Against Racism framework, a zero-tolerance initiative targeting all forms of racism in football. In a formal statement issued after the Paris meeting, the Panel made its purpose unambiguous.