Weah Calls Racism “a Disease” Destroying the Spirit of Football

RABAT, MOROCCO: Former Liberian President and African football legend George M. Weah has described racism as a “disease” that is eroding the true essence of football around the world.

Weah, who currently serves as Chair of FIFA’s Anti-Racism Panel, said racism continues to cause separation among players, clubs, and fans rather than uniting them.

The former Ballon d’Or winner emphasized that there should be no place for discrimination in football, noting that the sport’s core values are built on entertainment, respect, and unity.

Addressing the FIFA Anti-Racism Working Session recently held in Rabat, Morocco, Weah said many players have been left traumatized by demeaning remarks targeting their ethnicity and skin color.

Reflecting on his personal career, the African Football Icon revealed that he had suffered from racial abuse while playing for top European clubs, including AC Milan and AS Monaco.

He recalled in 1996 at AC Milan when he was involved in a scuffle with an FC Porto player who reportedly directed racial slurs at him. Weah received a match ban for his violent response after that UEFA Champions League match.

"We all must work to eliminate racism from our beautiful game on and off the pitch. We all know how demanding it is —not just for sport, but for fans, players, supporters, and humanity at large. It is a disease that is affecting unity in the game", George Weah told the Panel.

George Weah vowed that as the lead on the FIFA-Anti Racism Panel, he would ensure to work collectively with others to protect the core values of football.

He disclosed that urgent measures are underway to raise awareness within the global football community to eliminate discrimination and promote inclusion.

"It is a proud moment working together. We need to speak, we need to recruit great voices to make people understand that racism is not a good thing for society, and we will not encourage it."

"We will continue to fight until we are successful in what we are doing", Weah stated at the FIFA-Anti Racism Panel discussion.