Sports
Kurt Okraku chairs inaugural FIFA Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Committee meeting in Doha
President of the Football Association and 2nd Vice-President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, has chaired the maiden meeting of FIFA’s Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Committee in Doha.
The high-level meeting, held on December 16, 2025, brought together leading football administrators across the world.
As Chair of the 22-member committee, President Simeon-Okraku delivered the keynote address at the plenary session, outlining the vision, priorities and strategic direction of the body.
The FIFA Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Committee is one of FIFA’s most influential governance structures, mandated to advise on policy, propose reforms and support the implementation of robust anti-racism strategies across world football. The committee will serve a four-year term and is tasked with preventing, investigating and addressing incidents of racism and discrimination across FIFA’s member associations, clubs and competitions.
Under President Simeon-Okraku’s leadership, the committee will play a central role in advancing FIFA’s commitment to human rights, diversity, inclusion and fair play. Its work will contribute to strengthening institutional frameworks, promoting education and awareness, and ensuring accountability in the global game.
The committee is composed of a diverse and experienced group of football leaders from all regions of the world. Its members include Lorrelle Abrams (British Virgin Islands), Irene Aguiar (Spain), Shaikh Hassan Al-Khalifa (Bahrain), Rivaldo Antonio (Guinea-Bissau), Bennett Bailey (South Africa), Paul-Claude Berude (Canada), Isayas Jira Bosho (Ethiopia), Marco Brunelli (Italy), Karina Chango (Ecuador), David Courell (Republic of Ireland), Milovan Djukanovic (Montenegro), Nilton Gusmão (Timor-Leste), Dong-ho Lim (Korea Republic), Abdulhakeen Mustapha (Nigeria), Rakesh Naidoo (New Zealand), Agnieszka Olesinska (Poland), Fabrice Shema (Rwanda), Bounyou Sisane (Laos) and Gaston Uribe (Bolivia).
Officials from the Ghana mission in the United Arab Emirates have paid a morale-boosting visit to the camp of the Black Queens.
The delegation, made up of Consular Officer Percy Okudzeto, Consul and Head of Chancery Abdul-Jalil Sigli Yakubu Abdulai and Head of Transport Anas Shaibu, visited the team to assure them of the government’s support and commitment to their safety and welfare.
During the visit, the officials interacted with the team and offered words of encouragement, urging the team to remain focused on the tournament despite concerns surrounding unrest in parts of the UAE.
Consular Officer Percy Okudzeto emphasised that the Ghanaian government, through its diplomatic mission, is closely monitoring the situation and is committed to ensuring the team’s safety throughout their stay.
“We want the team to stay calm and focus on the competition. The government and the embassy are doing everything possible to ensure your safety and well-being.” he said.
Consul and Head of Chancery Abdul-Jalil Sigli Yakubu Abdulai also reiterated the mission’s readiness to provide any assistance required by the team during the tournament.
Leadership of the team expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as timely and motivating.
With the backing of Ghana’s diplomatic officials in the UAE, the Black Queens remain determined to represent the country proudly and deliver strong performances in the Pink Ladies Cup.
The Black Queens have arrived in the United Arab Emirates to participate in the upcoming Pink Ladies Cup in Dubai. The team touched down at the Dubai International Airport via Emirates Air on Wednesday morning and were warmly received by the competition’s organising officials.
The squad will be based at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, where they will begin their final preparations for the tournament. Organised as part of the international women’s football calendar, the Pink Ladies Cup is expected to feature four national sides using the competition to assess their squads and fine-tune strategies for upcoming tournaments.
Ghana will open their campaign today with a clash against Hong Kong, while Russia and Tanzania face off in the other opening match.
The Black Queens are then scheduled to return to action on March 3, when they take on Russia in a match expected to test them against a physically strong opponent.
The final round of games will be played on March 6, with Ghana closing their campaign against Tanzania at 9:00 pm.
With three matches in eight days, the tournament promises to be a crucial phase in Ghana’s preparation, as the Black Queens aim to return to continental action sharper, stronger, and more competitive.
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