The International Football Association (FIFA) has reportedly reduced signage against discrimination and racism in the ongoing Club World Cup, being played in the United States of America.
According to The Athletic, there have been no messages like ‘Say no to racism’ in the stadium or announcements against discrimination.
It marks a significant change in the signage used by FIFA, which has frequently used banners against any form of discrimination during the European Championships and FIFA World Cups.
FIFA has yet to give a reason for the changes, but the current scenario in the United States could have played a part in the subtle change.
Earlier this year, the NFL Super Bowl between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs had anti-racism messages removed from the end zones before US President Donald Trump attended the game.
It was the first time since February 2021 that “End Racism” did not appear in a Super Bowl.
Though FIFA statutes mandate the body stays neutral in politics, its president, Gianni Infantino, looks to have developed close relations with Trump, having attended his inauguration and visited the White House.
At the Club World Cup, the only visible signs have been “Football Unites the World”, which has also been present on the captain’s armbands, and a Dance Cam, partnered with the World Health Organisation (WHO), which includes the strapline “Be Active.”
Only last month, Infantino had urged legislators and policymakers around the world to join FIFA in combating racism and discrimination.
“FIFA’s Global Stand Against Racism called for the football world to take action, to educate, to raise awareness and, when necessary, to punish,” he said.
“Racism and discrimination — they are not just wrong, they are crimes.”
Content Source: sportstar.thehindu.com