Ofcom warns social media platforms to stamp out abuse targeting players at World Cup 2026

UK media regulator Ofcom has put social media platforms on formal notice, warning they will be “held to account” if they fail to protect footballers and television pundits from illegal hate and abuse during the World Cup, which begins on 11 June.

The watchdog wrote directly to online companies urging them to act ahead of the tournament, citing a sustained history of high-profile abuse targeting players. Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, and Jadon Sancho were all subjected to racial abuse 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 Euro 2025 campaign because of racial targeting on social media.

Oliver Griffiths, Ofcom’s online safety group director, was unequivocal about the stakes. “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 said. “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.”

Griffiths also reminded technology firms of their legal obligations under online safety legislation. “Tech firms now have a legal duty to deal with illegal hate and abuse,” he said, encouraging the public to report any illegal content they encounter during the tournament. “We’re pushing companies hard to make their services safer and we’ll be holding them to account if they don’t.”

Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham backed Ofcom’s intervention, stressing that players deserve to compete at the sport’s highest stage free from 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.”