The USWNT received the most online abuse of any team at the 2023 Women's World Cup, per a FIFPRO and FIFA Report.
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FIFA study reveals online abuse stats during Women's World CupUSWNT subjected to twice as much hate as other teamsTwo unidentified players targeted more than othersWHAT HAPPENED?
The report, which was commissioned by FIFA and the Global Player's Union, identified that the perception of USWNT players not singing the national anthem often brought abuse online, with the theme of the team being 'unpatriotic' or 'anti-American.' The data from the study showed that the abuse piled on after the team were knocked out of the tournament in the round-of-16 by Sweden.
AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE
A message on social media from President Joe Biden, per the report, triggered the worst period of online abuse over the course of the tournament. It's added that one in five players were targeted with discriminatory messages, with "homophobic and sexual abuse" posts accounting for over one-half of all the hate on social media platforms over the course of the tournament.
The report adds that a U.S. player, along with an Argentine player, were targeted more than others.
WHAT FIFA PRESIDENT GIANNI INFANTINO SAID
“There can be no place on social media for those who abuse or threaten anyone, be that in FIFA tournaments or elsewhere," he said in a statement.
DID YOU KNOW?
This was the earliest departure from a Women's World Cup ever for the USWNT, with the team coming into the tournament as back-to-back champions.