Soccer legends George Weah and Didier Drogba are among the many high-profile names appointed to a brand new Fifa panel of 16 ex-players which goals to bolster efforts to sort out racism within the recreation.

The game’s international governing physique initially introduced the creation of a gamers’ voice panel at its annual congress in Thailand in Could 2024.

Former AC Milan striker Weah and ex-Chelsea ahead Drogba have now been named as a part of the group which incorporates gamers – each women and men – from 14 nations.

The panel will advise on anti-racism methods, take part in instructional programmes and contribute to reforms throughout soccer.

“Soccer brings unity and growth. It additionally enhances humanity,” stated Weah, who has been named because the panel’s ‘honorary captain’.

“I’ll all the time exert all efforts, as I’ve finished prior to now and proceed to do, to advertise the game as a result of soccer is life. I’m honoured to serve on this function.”

Fifa president Gianni Infantino stated the panel members will “help training in any respect ranges of the sport” and “promote new concepts for lasting change”.

“They are going to additional push for a shift in soccer tradition, ensuring measures to counter racism are usually not simply talked about, however actioned, each on and off the pitch,” Infantino stated in a press release.

“Let’s be clear on this: racism and discrimination are usually not merely fallacious – they’re crimes. All incidents of racism, whether or not in stadiums or on-line, have to be absolutely punished each by soccer and throughout society.”