The world football governing body, FIFA, has launched a Social Media Protection Service (SMPS) to shield players from abuse at the upcoming 2022 World Cup to be held in Qatar.
For the first time, all players from the 32 teams will have access to a dedicated reporting, moderation and monitoring service designed to tackle hate speech and racial abuse issues.
During the SMPS launch, FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated that they are committed to safeguarding players from social media abuse.
Also Read: 7 Interesting Facts About the 2022 Qatar World Cup
“FIFA is committed to providing the best possible conditions for players to perform to the best of their abilities.
“At the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, we are happy to launch a service that will help to protect players from the damaging effects that social media posts can cause to their mental health and well-being,” read his statement.
Through the use of SMPS, FIFA can scan for threatening and discriminatory comments and report them to law authorities and social networks for action to be taken against individuals who break the rules.
FIFA's new platform's launch comes after the publication of an independent report in June 2022, which highlighted increased social media abuse directed at players during international tournaments.
The English duo of Bukayo Saka and Jodan Sancho are examples of prominent footballers subjected to online abuse.
Saka and Sancho were racially abused after they missed their spot kicks during the final of the 2020 UEFA Euro finals at Wembley Stadium, London.
Also Read: African Footballer With Most FIFA World Cup Goals