A recent Fifa report has brought to light a concerning issue at the 2023 Women’s World Cup: approximately 20% of the participants faced some form of discriminatory, threatening, or abusive messages on social media platforms.
According to the collaborative investigation by Fifa and the players’ union Fifpro, a total of 152 players were subjected to this online harassment.
The study further revealed that the players in the 2023 women’s event experienced a 29% higher likelihood of receiving such messages compared to their male counterparts in the 2022 World Cup.
Fifa President Gianni Infantino strongly condemned these actions, stating, “Discrimination has absolutely no place either in football or in broader society.”
In a proactive response, Fifa, in partnership with Fifpro, had previously initiated a strategy to shield players, coaches, and officials from online abuse during international competitions.
This led to the creation of the Social Media Protection Service (SMPS), a system designed to identify and address harmful social media interactions. Over the past year, this service has been deployed across eight Fifa tournaments, analyzing over 5.1 million posts and comments in 35 different languages for abusive content, particularly during this year’s Women’s World Cup hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
The SMPS was effective in safeguarding 697 players and coaches, across 2,111 social media profiles, from being exposed to these negative interactions.
Additionally, the service also extended its protection to 239 active accounts of 29 match officials and all 32 teams participating in the tournament.
Reiterating his stance, Infantino emphasized, “There must be zero tolerance for individuals who use social media to threaten or abuse others, whether in Fifa events or beyond.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Women’s World Cup 2023 Abuse
What does the Fifa report on the 2023 Women’s World Cup reveal?
The Fifa report on the 2023 Women’s World Cup reveals that one in five players faced discriminatory, abusive, or threatening messages on social media during the tournament.
How many players were targeted with social media abuse according to the report?
The report indicates that 152 players were targeted with social media abuse during the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
How does the abuse faced by players in the 2023 Women’s World Cup compare to the 2022 Men’s World Cup?
Players at the 2023 Women’s World Cup were 29% more likely to be targeted with social media abuse compared to those at the 2022 Men’s World Cup.
What measures has Fifa taken to combat social media abuse?
Fifa partnered with Fifpro to implement a social media protection service (SMPS) that analyzes posts and comments in multiple languages to flag abusive content. This service has been used at eight Fifa tournaments in the last 12 months.
How many players and coaches were protected by the SMPS during the 2023 Women’s World Cup?
The SMPS protected 697 players and coaches, actively monitoring 2,111 social media accounts during the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
Did the SMPS also cover match officials and participating teams?
Yes, the SMPS extended its coverage to 239 active accounts held by 29 match officials and all 32 participating teams in the tournament.
What is Fifa’s stance on social media abuse?
Fifa President Gianni Infantino strongly condemns social media abuse and emphasizes that there should be no place for such behavior, both in Fifa tournaments and in society at large.
1 comment
Thumbs up 4 Fifa takin action! Musicians also face online hate, so it’s imp 2 protect everyone.