World Cup players facing growing pattern of racist abuse, FIFPRO warns

World Cup players are facing a growing pattern of racist abuse, FIFPRO warned, as the tournament moves into the last 16. The players’ union said on Saturday that abuse is occurring both online and in person, including racist and discriminatory attacks. FIFPRO linked the trend to increased media scrutiny and the fallout from matches as teams are eliminated, adding that incidents are not isolated and reflect a systemic problem. FIFA, meanwhile, said its Social Media Protection Service recorded a 13-fold surge in online abuse during the group stage, with 11% racially motivated. Netherlands players Justin Kluivert, Quinten Timber and Crysencio Summerville were among those targeted after missing penalty kicks in the last-32 shootout loss to Morocco. The union called for consequences and coordinated action by stakeholders.