England’s quarter-final loss to France caused biggest spike in online abuse at the Qatar World Cup
REVEALED: England’s quarter-final loss to France sparked the biggest spike in online abuse at the World Cup in Qatar last year – with nearly 20,000 abusive comments during the tournament
- England was beaten 2-1 by France in the quarter-finals of the World Cup last year
- The game caused the biggest spike in online abuse of the tournament
- A total of 19,636 offensive comments were recognized during the World Cup
A FIFA report has revealed that England’s World Cup quarter-final loss to France last year sparked the biggest spike in online abuse of the tournament.
38% of the abuse came from accounts in Europe, as Gareth Southgate’s men lost 2–1 to the tournament’s eventual runners-up, with a further 36% coming from South America.
The report, which scanned more than 20 million posts and comments across Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube during the tournament, recognized 19,636 as abusive, discriminatory or threatening.
Those posts were reported to the platforms where they were found, with FIFA claiming that “many” were subsequently removed.
More than 300 people who made comments or messages during the tournament that were deemed abusive, discriminatory or threatening have been referred to their member associations or judicial authorities with the aim of taking action against them.
England’s loss to France in last year’s World Cup quarter-final sparked the biggest spike in online abuse of the tournament
Players at the World Cup in Qatar were offered moderation software that concealed offensive comments as part of the Social Media Protection Service (SMPS), which was co-founded with FIFA and FIFPRO.
A total of 286,895 comments were hidden from the public before their targets could see them.
SMPS will be available to players at the upcoming Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, with several teams already agreeing to the moderation aspect.
In a statement accompanying the report, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said: “Discrimination is a criminal act.
‘Using this tool, we identify the perpetrators and report them to the authorities so that they are punished for their actions.
‘We also expect social media to take their responsibility and support us in the fight against all forms of discrimination. Our position is clear: we say no to discrimination.’
Commenting on the report’s findings, FIFPRO President David Aganzo added: ‘The numbers and findings in this report come as no surprise, but they are still hugely concerning.
In total, FIFA acknowledged nearly 20,000 offensive comments during the tournament
FIFA president Gianni Infantino called on social media platforms to ‘support us in the fight against discrimination’
“They are a strong reminder for everyone involved in our game, and should lead to the provision of preventive measures and solutions for players who are increasingly confronted with this type of abuse.
“Football has a responsibility to protect the players and other affected groups around their workspace.
“Therefore, FIFPRO and FIFA will continue their partnership and provide the same service during the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
“But we can’t do this alone – we need all stakeholders to play their part if we are to create a safer and better football environment.”