FIFPRO President Sergio Marchi will be part of the leadership of the new taskforce created by CONMEBOL to combat racism, discrimination and violence in football.
Marchi will be working alongside former Brazil striker Ronaldo Nazario, a legend of world football, and former FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura.
The taskforce was announced following a meeting called by CONMEBOL for representatives of South American governments and member associations of the confederation.
"Tackling racism, discrimination, and violence in football is not only necessary but urgent. As part of this taskforce, we are committed to ensuring that the voices of the players, those who experience these issues firsthand, are heard and valued. Real change comes from collective action, and football must lead by example in creating a safer, more inclusive game for everyone," Marchi said.
"Football has a fundamental role in the social structure in which we live and, therefore, it must be a source of inspiration and good examples. More than a sport, it must act as a sounding board for positive values, not only for the benefit of football, but of society as a whole," he added.
The designated team will address the problems of racism, discrimination and violence in football today with a comprehensive approach and in the search for concrete solutions.
Its mission will be to design effective policies and establish mechanisms for prevention and sanctions that contribute to eradicating these behaviours that affect both sport and society.
In addition to the CONMEBOL authorities, the debate was attended by ambassadors, ministers and presidents of the member associations of South American football; former players and representatives of the players' unions (including Rogelio Delgado, Secretary General of Paraguayan union FAP), whom CONMEBOL described as "key players in this fight".
