Ivorian football legend Didier Drogba and former Super Falcons striker Mercy Akide have been named among 16 ex-internationals selected by FIFA to join its newly established players’ voice panel dedicated to combating racism and discrimination in football.
FIFA announced the panel in a statement shared on its social media platforms on Friday. Akide, a three-time Women’s World Cup veteran, will serve alongside former internationals representing 14 member associations across all six FIFA confederations.
The 50-year-old Nigerian icon will sit on the panel with Liberia’s president and former Ballon d’Or winner George Weah. Other African stars on the list include Togo’s Emmanuel Adebayor and Senegal’s Khalilou Fadiga.
The global lineup also features 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 (USA), Mikaël Silvestre (France) and Juan Pablo Sorín (Argentina).
According to FIFA, the panel will work to promote education on anti-racism measures, highlight the impact of abuse on players and the game, and provide practical guidance on how to respond to such challenges.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino said the personal experiences of these former stars would play a vital role in strengthening global efforts against racism.
