FIFA Criticized Over Club World Cup Messaging Shift

FIFA has been criticized for reducing anti-racism and anti-discrimination messaging at the 2025 Club World Cup in the United States, a departure from previous tournaments. While FIFA prepared materials for these initiatives, they were largely absent from the tournament except for minimal visibility on the International Day for Countering Hate Speech. Critics, including campaigners and football stakeholders, link this change to the U.S. political climate under President Trump, where DEI programs have been scaled back, suggesting FIFA may be seeking to avoid controversy. FIFA insists its 'Football Unites the World' slogan reflects its commitment to inclusion, but campaigners argue it is insufficient. The move has raised concerns about FIFA’s consistency and transparency as it looks ahead to future tournaments in North America. Accusations have also surfaced that FIFA is prioritizing commercial and political interests over social responsibility, despite its stated zero-tolerance stance on discrimination.