FIFA Threat Matrix report  - Type of abuse infographic

The study revealed 514 abusive posts targeting players. Racism and homophobia were the two most prevalent forms of abuse present across the tournaments representing a combined 78% of all detected abuse on Twitter and Instagram.

Types of Abuse

Identifiable Accounts infographic

This study focused on the number of abusive accounts that could be identified – showing that more action can be taken by authorities, national football associations and (where there is a clear affiliation) domestic clubs.

Targeted Players

The EURO 2020 Final accounted for 365 abusive posts, whilst the AFCON Final accounted for 149.

Full Report

Report Details

Areas of Focus & Recommendations

DETAILED METHODOLOGY

 An anti-discrimination message is diplayed prior to the FIFA Confederations Cup 

FIFA Threat Matrix Report

Purpose of the Report & Main findings

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Volume	Over 55% of players in both EURO 2020 and AFCON 2022 Final’s received some form of discriminatory abuse.
Type	Homophobic slurs most common form of detected abuse, with racism second.
Race	Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford (England) were the most abused players in the EURO 2020 Final / Mahmoud Hamdy (Egypt) was the most abused player at AFCON 2022 Final’s.
Platforms	Abuse on Twitter is constant across the period whilst Instagram abuse is more event driven – i.e. losing final. Tactically, over 75% of Instagram comments and abuse included emojis.
Geography	Majority of abusers come from the players home nation.
Club affiliation	Player club identity is a trigger for abuse. i.e. Mohamed Salah received abuse on Twitter from fans who are supporters of Liverpool’s English Premier League rivals.
Officials/Managers	AFCON coaches received double abuse of EURO 2020 managers.

AI Monitoring: Protecting Professional Players

FIFA Threat Matrix Report

Purpose of the Report & Main findings

Main findings