FIFA, world football’s governing body, has reported more than 30,000 abusive online posts this year, highlighting the growing issue of social media harassment targeting players, coaches, teams, and match officials. The report also revealed that 11 individuals were referred to law enforcement and one case was escalated to Interpol in 2025.

The offenders were identified across Argentina, Brazil, France, Poland, Spain, the UK, and the US, all linked to abuse during FIFA competitions. The governing body’s efforts reflect an ongoing commitment to making football a safe and inclusive environment, both on and off the pitch.

FIFA’s Social Media Protection Service (SMPS)

FIFA established the Social Media Protection Service (SMPS) in 2022 in partnership with the players’ union Fifpro. The initiative combines advanced technology with human expertise to monitor, report, and block abusive content on social media platforms.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino emphasized the organization’s zero-tolerance policy for abuse:

“On the International Day for Tolerance, I want to make it abundantly clear that football must be a safe and inclusive space – on the pitch, in the stands, and online.”

Through SMPS, FIFA analyzed 5.9 million posts during the 2025 Club World Cup in the US, flagged 179,517 for review, and reported 20,587 posts to social media platforms. The system monitored 2,401 active accounts, covering players, coaches, teams, and match officials.

Accountability Measures and Global Reach

Beyond reporting posts, FIFA has taken steps to hold offenders accountable, including blacklisting individuals from purchasing tickets for FIFA tournaments. Infantino stated:

“Abuse has no place in our game, and we will continue to work with member associations, confederations, and law enforcement authorities to hold offenders accountable.”

Since SMPS was launched, FIFA has reported more than 65,000 abusive posts, underscoring the persistent challenge of online harassment in football.

While FIFA has faced criticism in the past for its handling of anti-racism messaging—most notably during the 2025 Club World Cup—the organization continues to strengthen monitoring and reporting systems to protect participants in global competitions.

Commitment to a Safe Football Community

FIFA’s initiatives aim to foster a culture of respect, tolerance, and inclusion across all levels of football. By actively tracking abuse, reporting offenders to authorities, and collaborating with social media platforms, FIFA is setting a benchmark for how sports organizations can combat online harassment and ensure that football remains a safe environment for all.