With the Threat Matrix solution, FIFA is taking another step forward in its commitment to combat online abuse and protect its players and staff. On International Anti-Hate Speech Day, FIFA is offering an AI-based plan.

A report published by FIFA on the occasion of the International Day against Hate Speech on June 18, denounces the considerable increase in the number of insults to which footballers are subjected on Twitter and Instagram, especially during international competitions. With the aim of establishing a plan to protect its teams, referees, fans and supporters against the insults that circulate on social networks, FIFPRO (International Federation of Football Players) has joined forces with FIFA, a few months before the start of the World Cup Qatar 2022.

Threat Matrix highlights cyber-bullying in the soccer world

Threat Matrix, developed by Signify.ai, is a solution capable of identifying and tracking abuse and discriminatory behavior online. Using machine learning, the algorithm is able to extract and filter massive amounts of data from social networks and identify instances of abuse. Backed by human verification, it provides a more nuanced understanding of hateful messages and those seeking to attack the values of soccer. The system studied more than 400,000 messages published on social networks during the semi-finals and finals of two international competitions (Euro 2020 and CAN 2021). The results are clear: 55% of players and staff members received homophobic (40%) and racist (38%) comments in the majority of cases.

“As evidenced by this collaboration, soccer must protect players and other communities potentially affected by these increasingly frequent insults in the professional environment. Such comments can have a profound effect on their personality, their family and their performance, not to mention their well-being or mental health”,

said FIFPRO President David Aganzo.

Several measures put in place by FIFA and FIFPRO

To address the online harassment of soccer teams, FIFA and FIFPRO have decided to launch a moderation tool to be used during the competition. The tool, which examines both men’s and women’s football-related messages, will automatically detect hateful language in its database and significantly reduce its reach. Furthermore, based on the analysis of these messages and the accounts involved, FIFA plans to apply sanctions that could range from a ban on ticket purchases or on attending matches, to legal sanctions in the most serious cases.

“Our duty is to protect the game of soccer and, therefore, the footballers whose achievements on the field bring us so much joy and happiness,

said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

“Unfortunately, we are seeing a worrying trend of unacceptable messages being published against players, coaches, referees and even teams themselves. This form of discrimination, like all others, has no place in soccer.”

As part of the collaboration, FIFA and FIFPRO will also provide educational support, advice on managing social media accounts and mental health recommendations to all players involved in FIFA competitions in 2022 and 2023. The moderation service will remain active during each of these tournaments.

Translated from Football : Grâce à l’IA, la FIFA et la FIFPRO s’engagent contre le harcèlement en ligne