12 December 2023
FIFA and FIFPRO released a report today into the Social Media Protection Service at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™. The report found that homophobia was the second most common form of abuse, following ‘general abuse’, with sexual and sexist abuse the third and fourth most common. Together, homophobic, sexual and sexist abuse made up almost 50% of the verified comments.
“Homophobic and sexist abuse is a common experience for women in sport”, said Pride Cup CEO, Hayley Conway.
“The Social Media Protection Service report has, for the first time, shown just how much additional abuse women receive. Players at the Women’s World Cup were 29% more likely to be targeted with online abuse compared with players at the 2022 men’s World Cup in Qatar.
“It shouldn’t come as a surprise to FIFA that homophobic comments were so common, after they banned rainbow Captain’s armbands, despite players requesting them. Their lack of leadership on protecting diverse players and fans has far-reaching consequences.
“The report shows how urgent it is that every sport takes real action with their fan base, staff, volunteers, and players to stop this abuse.
“Hosting a Pride Cup, combining inclusion education with an iconic rainbow-themed PrideGame or PrideRound event activation, can reduce homophobia and transphobia within a sports club by 40-50%”, concluded Ms Conway.
Pride Cup has worked with more than 800 teams across dozens of codes in Australia to host their own Pride Cup, resulting in drastic reductions in homophobic behaviour.
Any sports club wishing to host a Pride Cup in 2024 can register for free support and inclusion education at www.pridecup.org.au
For interviews please email <media@pridecup.org.au>
