Social media platforms have been put on notice by regulator Ofcom, which has warned they will be "held to account" if they fail to protect players and television pundits during the upcoming World Cup. The watchdog has written to online companies, urging them to eradicate "illegal hate and abuse" ahead of the tournament, which commences on 11 June.
The directive follows a history of high-profile online abuse targeting footballers. Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, and Jadon Sancho were all subjected to racial abuse online after missing penalties in England’s Euro 2020 final defeat. More recently, defender Jess Carter revealed she felt unable to leave her hotel room during England’s victorious Euro 2025 campaign due to racial targeting on social media.
Oliver Griffiths, Ofcom’s online safety group director, underscored the severity of the issue. "No one should have to put up with the awful online abuse that we’ve seen directed towards so many people who work in sport," he stated.
"We’ve heard from those who have experienced this about the devastating impact it has on them, their livelihoods and their families. It can leave them feeling unable to do their jobs, unable to express themselves and even afraid to leave their homes."
Mr Griffiths reminded tech firms of their legal obligations.
"Tech firms now have a legal duty to deal with illegal hate and abuse," he added, encouraging the public to report any illegal content they encounter during the World Cup.
"We’re pushing companies hard to make their services safer and we’ll be holding them to account if they don’t."
Mark Bullingham, CEO of the Football Association, echoed Ofcom’s sentiments, emphasising the right of players to compete without facing discrimination.
"A World Cup is the pinnacle of a player’s career and they have a right to play for their country without facing hateful or discriminatory content online," he said.
"Service providers must take the necessary steps to create a safer online experience for them – and all England fans – during this tournament. We welcome Ofcom reminding social media providers of the need for both vigilance and action during the World Cup."
