Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:21am on 12 Jun 2026,Friday Sports
FIFA’s 2026 World Cup will introduce a powerful anti-racism measure through the “X” gesture, allowing players to signal racist abuse during matches. By crossing their arms at the wrists, players can alert referees, triggering FIFA’s three-step protocol under its “Global Stand Against Racism” initiative. The referee can first stop the match, then suspend it if abuse continues, and ultimately abandon the game after further failed interventions. Approved unanimously by FIFA’s 211 member associations in 2024, the framework aims to address discrimination immediately rather than after incidents occur. The gesture represents football’s stronger stance against racism and gives players a direct mechanism to demand action. (PC: Times Now)
