FIFA, the world football’s governing body, has announced that its Social Media Protection Service (SMPS) will now be accessible to all 211 member associations and their teams. This initiative, developed in partnership with FIFPRO, aims to safeguard players from online abuse and hate speech. The decision to make this tool universally available coincides with the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, emphasizing FIFA’s commitment to tackling this pressing issue.
The SMPS was initially introduced at the 2023 Women’s World Cup to combat hate speech on social media platforms and shield players from harmful content. Since its launch at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the service has successfully hidden 2.6 million abusive comments from public view. Furthermore, it has enabled the reporting of nearly 31,000 cases of “abusive content” to various social media platforms, resulting in consequences such as account suspensions.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino highlighted the importance of protecting all individuals involved in football, including players, coaches, officials, and teams, from online abuse. He emphasized the need to create a safe environment for players and their followers, acknowledging the prevalence of online abuse during major tournaments like the Women’s World Cup. In fact, one in five players experienced online abuse during the 2023 Women’s World Cup, underscoring the urgency of implementing measures to address this issue.
The SMPS will be deployed at upcoming events such as the Olympic Games in Paris, the under-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia, the Futsal World Cup in Uzbekistan, and the U17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic. By expanding the use of this tool to various international competitions, FIFA aims to create a safer and more respectful online environment for all participants in the world of football.
FIFA’s decision to make the Social Media Protection Service available to all member associations demonstrates a proactive approach to combatting online abuse in football. By leveraging technology and collaboration with stakeholders, FIFA is taking a decisive stand against hate speech and abusive content on social media platforms. This initiative sets a crucial precedent for sports organizations around the world to prioritize the well-being and safety of their athletes in the digital sphere.
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