FIFA President Gianni Infantino has condemned the racist abuse directed at AFC Bournemouth and Ghana striker Antoine Semenyo during Friday’s Premier League opener against Liverpool at Anfield.
The match was briefly stopped after the incident, sparking outrage across football. Players, clubs, and fans have rallied behind Semenyo, calling for stronger action against racism.
Infantino called the abuse “absolutely unacceptable” and reaffirmed FIFA’s zero-tolerance stance.
“Football has no place for racism or any form of discrimination,” he said. “Antoine’s courage and performance, despite such adversity, is a powerful example of strength and dignity.”
He highlighted FIFA’s Players’ Voice Panel, part of its anti-racism strategy introduced in 2024, which will support Semenyo and monitor the case closely.
“We are committed to ensuring players are respected and protected, and that authorities take appropriate action,” Infantino added.
“Everyone at FIFA and across the football community stands firmly with Antoine. We will continue working with Bournemouth, the Premier League, and The FA to ensure racism is eradicated from the game.”
The statement clearly shows FIFA’s ongoing fight against discrimination while sending a message of solidarity to players facing abuse.
