FIFPRO South America joins forces with CONMEBOL to promote action against racism, discrimination and violence

FIFPRO South America, together with the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL), is promoting a special initiative ahead of the CONMEBOL Libertadores and Sudamericana 2025 matches, both of which are currently in the quarter-final stage.

The campaign has been promoted by the CONMEBOL Task Force, created by the governing body of South American football to combat racism, discrimination and violence in football, and led by Sergio Marchi, president of FIFPRO and FIFPRO South America, Brazil legend Ronaldo Nazario and Fatma Samoura, former secretary general of FIFA.

Just before the start of the matches, after the coin toss by the referee, players from both teams will stand together on one side of the centre circle, with the referee in the middle facing the cameras. The ceremony, with players from both teams standing side by side, lasts 20 seconds and is followed by a symbolic whistle, marking the start of a clear message of rejection of all forms of discrimination, racism and violence.

During the action, the stadium loudspeakers inform the public that the ball will not be moved as a symbol of rejection of these practices. The message that spectators hear from the announcer is firm: ‘Football must be a space free of hatred and violence.’

‘The ball does not move as a symbol of rejection of discrimination, racism and violence, urging everyone to enjoy this celebration with passion and respect. With this initiative, CONMEBOL reaffirms its commitment to the fight against these social scourges that affect football.’

The campaign is complemented by various posts on CONMEBOL's social media accounts, in which players participating in the tournaments send a message in favour of eradicating racism, discrimination and violence in continental competitions.

With these actions, CONMEBOL and FIFPRO South America reinforce their commitment to working together and invite all football stakeholders to send a clear message: football should be a celebration of respect, passion and tolerance.