FIFA has reaffirmed its commitment to combat online hate on the occasion of International Tolerance Day by highlighting the enhancement of its Social Media Protection Service (SMPS). Since its launch in 2022, this initiative has flagged over 65,000 abusive posts to platforms, with more than 30,000 reported in just 2025. This proactive monitoring, employed during several major competitions, including the inaugural 32-team Club World Cup, analyzes content targeting players, coaches, referees, or teams, blocking messages before they reach their audience and supporting disciplinary procedures.
This year, eleven individuals have already been reported to law enforcement in multiple countries, and one case has been referred to Interpol. FIFA also announced it will blacklist any perpetrator of serious abuse, preventing them from purchasing tickets for future events. According to President Gianni Infantino, these actions reflect a clear intention to make football a safe and inclusive space, both online and on the field, by collaborating with member associations and law enforcement to hold offenders accountable for their actions.
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