FIFA, along with the International Football Players Association (FIFRO), launched a service that filters out hate expressions online and social media for players during the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) uploaded a media release on 16 November: “To tackle discrimination and to protect the mental health and well-being of players, FIFA and FIFPRO- The worldwide representative organisation for professional footballers- are launching a social media protection service (SMPS) in advance of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.”
The social media accounts of all participating players in the World Cup are monitored through SMPS. FIFA explained that it will check public-facing abusive, discriminatory and threatening comments and inform SNS platform providers and law authorities for taking legal action against those who break rules.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said “we are happy to launch a service that will help to protect players from damaging effects that social media posts can cause to their mental health and well-being.” FiFPRO President David Aganzo highlighted that “It is football’s responsibility to protect the players and other affected groups against the abuse they increasingly face in and around their workplace”.
Former Brazil forward Willian gave full support to SMPS. He has experienced online abuse with himself and his family threatened on social media.“I was suffering a lot, and my family were suffering a lot because people started attacking us on social media, attacking my family, my daughters, and that’s why I’m standing now with FIFA to see if you can stop these kinds of things,” Willian said
Mistake in a football match, condemnation on social media?
When South Korea’s national soccer team captain Son Heung-min, who plays for Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League (EPL), was on the operating table due to a facial fracture, some soccer fans poured malicious comments on Chancel Mbemba’s social media posts, who collided with Son Heung-min.
Earlier, Son Heung-min fell down after hitting Mbemba’s right shoulder in the 25th minute of the first half in an away match against Olympique de Marseille in the 2022-23 UEFA Champions League (UCL) group stage at Stade Velodrome on the 2nd of November.
Son Heung-min covered his face and complained of severe pain, and eventually left the ground after being replaced in the 29th minute of the first half. He was supported by the medical staff because he could not walk on his own even though he was replaced.
Source by Tottenham Hotspur’s official Twitter account.
Afterwards, Tottenham said on its SNS on the 2nd of November, “We can confirm that Heung-Min Son will undergo surgery to stabilize a fracture around his left eye.”
About three weeks before the first group qualifying match for the Qatar World Cup for the Korean national team, Son Heung-min was on the operating table and was on the verge of failing to participate in the World Cup. The Korean national team was also on high alert as there was a possibility that Son Heung-min, a representative player of Korean football, could be absent.
On Mbemba’s official Instagram post, many football fans condemned him due to the injury of Heung-min Son
In response, some soccer fans poured out indiscriminate malicious comments toward Mbemba. On Mbemba’s Instagram post, fans left criticism and malicious comments such as “Football is not UFC”.
Mbemba’s case illustrates a need for FIFA to operate the Social Media Protection Service for World Cup players. In addition to the legal actions taken by official organisations, fans should also be aware that their comments behind anonymity on social media can leave an indelible mark on one individual and one player