FIFA president Gianni Infantino has strongly condemned the racist abuse targeted at AFC Bournemouth striker Antoine Semenyo during the Premier League opener against Liverpool at Anfield.

The 25-year-old Ghanaian forward was subjected to abuse on Friday night, leading referee Anthony Taylor to temporarily pause the match after Semenyo reported the incident.

In a statement released on Saturday, Infantino called the abuse “completely unacceptable” and praised Semenyo for his composure and determination in continuing to play despite the circumstances.

“It is completely unacceptable that Antoine Semenyo was subjected to racist abuse during Bournemouth’s Premier League match against Liverpool at Anfield. The match was rightly paused in response to this incident,” Infantino stated.
“Racism and all forms of discrimination have no place in football. Antoine’s resilience and professionalism in the face of such abuse is a powerful testament to his strength and character, and an inspiration to players everywhere.”

Infantino also reaffirmed FIFA’s full support for Semenyo, referencing the Players’ Voice Panel—launched in 2024 as part of FIFA’s five-pillar anti-racism initiative—as a key mechanism in tackling such issues.

“The Players’ Voice Panel, created under FIFA’s five-pillar anti-racism strategy adopted by the Congress in 2024, will be in contact with Antoine and is closely monitoring the situation. We remain fully committed to protecting players and ensuring that organisers and authorities respond with the necessary actions.”

He concluded by expressing solidarity with Semenyo, AFC Bournemouth, the Premier League, and The FA, vowing that FIFA and the wider football community will continue working together to enforce strong measures and eliminate racism from the sport.

Published by Samuel Ofori-Ampaw