FULL LIST: Mercy Akide named in FIFA’s 16-member panel tackling racism

Mercy Akide, Super Falcons legend, has been selected by FIFA as a member of the newly constituted players’ voice panel.

‎The 50-year-old former Nigerian striker joins a group of 16 former footballers with the task of tackling racism and discrimination in football.

According to a statement released by FIFA on Friday, Akide joins ex-internationals selected from 14 member associations in all six confederations that constitute the Zurich-based body.

Racism remains an issue in football, with recent incidences reported in some of the biggest leagues across the world.

The players’ voice panel was established under pillar 5 of FIFA’s global stand against racism unanimously adopted at the 74th FIFA congress held last year.

Akide, a veteran of three women’s World Cups, is selected on the panel alongside George Weah, former Liberia international and the country’s current president.

Other Africans on the list are Didier Drogba, Emmanuel Adebayor, and Khalilou Fadiga.

Also included as members of the panel are Iván Córdoba (Colombia), Formiga (Brazil), Jessica Houara (France), Maia Jackman (New Zealand), Sun Jihai (China PR), Blaise Matuidi (France), Aya Miyama (Japan), Lotta Schelin (Sweden), Briana Scurry (United States), Mikaël Silvestre (France) and Juan Pablo Sorín (Argentina).

 

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‎Panel members will be tasked with raising awareness of the recently enhanced measures against racism in their regions through education.

They will focus on the effect of abuse on players, other individuals and football as a sport, and also offer support and practical advice on response strategies.

Gianni Infantino, FIFA president, said the unique and individual experiences of the impassioned and prominent ex-internationals can lead to actions against racism on and off the pitch.

He further called for appropriate punishment for acts of racism and discrimination, which he “described as a crime”.

“These 16 panel members will support education at all levels of the game and promote new ideas for lasting change,” he said.

‎”They will further push for a shift in football culture, making sure measures to counter racism are not just talked about, but actioned, both on and off the pitch.

‎“Let’s be clear on this: Racism and discrimination are not simply wrong – they are crimes.

‎”All incidents of racism, whether in stadiums or online, must be fully punished both by football and across society.”