Ofcom has issued a warning to social media companies regarding online abuse during the World Cup, urging them to strengthen measures against illegal hate content. The regulator will monitor compliance through a live program and share information with football authorities and police.
Background of Abuse in Football
England’s loss to France in the 2022 World Cup sparked widespread online abuse targeting players Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, and Jadon Sancho. Similar incidents occurred after the men’s 2021 European Championship and the women’s Euros, prompting Ofcom to act. Research by FIFA found that the France-England quarterfinal caused the largest spike in abuse against players during the 2022 men’s World Cup.
In March 2025, a man received a suspended jail sentence for directing malicious communications towards Jess Carter during the women’s Euros. Ofcom’s own research highlights the scale, severity, and normalization of abuse online, including racist and threatening content directed at sportspeople, commentators, and public figures. Participants reported relentless abuse that leads to fear for personal safety and withdrawal from public life.
Ofcom’s Demands Under the Online Safety Act
The Online Safety Act, effective since 2023, requires social media companies to implement robust safety measures. These include adequately resourced content management teams capable of removing illegal content, easy-to-use complaints systems, tools to disable comments, and a named individual responsible for compliance. Ofcom can fine companies up to £18 million or 10% of global revenue for failing to act against illegal content.
Ofcom’s letter emphasizes that online harms related to major sporting events are a significant concern. Spikes in abusive content have often targeted Black and minority ethnic players, as well as individuals based on perceived sexual orientation or disability status. The regulator will use a live compliance programme to monitor how companies handle abuse and will share findings with the Football Association and UK Football Policing Unit.
Call for Preparedness
Ofcom has urged platforms to ensure effective mitigations are in place and adequately prepared for increased abuse during the World Cup. The regulator’s actions aim to protect players, officials, and others from relentless online hate that can affect health, wellbeing, and public participation.
