English Players Get FIFA's Blessing

FIFA is backing a 24-hour social media boycott by professional players in England in "a protest against racial abuse." The global body also revealed plans for a new "campaign to eradicate discrimination in soccer." Following a "series of high-profile cases in recent weeks," the Professional Footballers' Association gathered support from EPL players to "stay off Twitter, Facebook and Instagram" for 24 hours, starting at 9am GMT Friday, "as they push for a crackdown on racist messages." FIFA was criticized in '16 for "dismantling its anti-racism task force after saying its mission had been completed." FIFA now says that it will launch a "powerful campaign against discrimination" (AP, 4/18). 

Meanwhile, ManU said that it will take the "strongest possible action" against any supporter found to have sent Ashley Young racist abuse on social media following Tuesday's Champions League loss to Barcelona. Young was subjected to a "torrent of abusive messages" on Twitter (ESPN, 4/18).