Super Falcons legend, Mercy Akide, has been appointed by FIFA as a member of the newly formed players’ voice panel.
The 50-year-old former Nigerian striker is among 16 ex-footballers chosen to address issues of racism and discrimination in the sport.
In a statement released by FIFA on Friday, Akide was named alongside former internationals drawn from 14 member associations across all six confederations of the Zurich-based organisation.
Racism continues to plague football, with recent cases reported in some of the world’s top leagues.
The players’ voice panel was created under pillar 5 of FIFA’s global stand against racism, unanimously endorsed at the 74th FIFA congress last year.
Akide, a veteran of three women’s World Cups, joins the panel alongside George Weah, former Liberia international and current president of the country.
Other Africans selected include Didier Drogba, Emmanuel Adebayor, and Khalilou Fadiga.
Also named to the panel are Iván Córdoba (Colombia), Formiga (Brazil), Jessica Houara (France), Maia Jackman (New Zealand), Sun Jihai (China PR), Blaise Matuidi (France), Aya Miyama (Japan), Lotta Schelin (Sweden), Briana Scurry (United States), Mikaël Silvestre (France), and Juan Pablo Sorín (Argentina).
Panel members will work to raise awareness of FIFA’s strengthened anti-racism measures within their regions through education. Their focus will include the impact of abuse on players and football as a whole, while also offering guidance and practical support on how to respond.
Gianni Infantino, FIFA president, said the diverse experiences of these respected ex-internationals can inspire meaningful actions against racism on and off the field.
He emphasised the need for firm sanctions, which he “described as a crime”.
“These 16 panel members will support education at all levels of the game and promote new ideas for lasting change,” he said.
“They will further push for a shift in football culture, making sure measures to counter racism are not just talked about, but actioned, both on and off the pitch.
“Let’s be clear on this: Racism and discrimination are not simply wrong – they are crimes.
“All incidents of racism, whether in stadiums or online, must be fully punished both by football and across society.”