Former Super Eagles captain Sunday Oliseh has called for stronger measures in the fight against racism in football, insisting that the problem will only truly reduce if it is treated as a criminal offence.
Oliseh, who enjoyed a distinguished playing career in Europe and with the Nigerian national team, believes the current sanctions imposed by football authorities are not strong enough to serve as a deterrent. According to him, racism continues to occur because offenders rarely face serious consequences beyond temporary bans or fines.
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“Racism should be criminalised because the deterrent we have today is not strong enough,” Oliseh said.
The former midfielder explained that football has tried symbolic gestures in recent years, including players kneeling before matches to raise awareness against discrimination. However, he argued that such actions have had limited impact on changing behaviour.
“Players kneeling before games was meant to send a message, but it has not stopped the problem,” he noted.
Oliseh stressed that the issue goes beyond football and reflects broader societal attitudes that require stronger legal consequences to change. He believes that introducing criminal penalties for racist acts within football environments would send a powerful message.
“If racism becomes a criminal offence with real punishment, people will think twice before committing such acts,” he explained.
The former Borussia Dortmund and Juventus midfielder added that prison sentences could be a powerful deterrent because the psychological impact of incarceration is significant.
“Going to prison is mentally damaging and that alone can stop many people from engaging in such behaviour,” Oliseh stated.
Oliseh concluded by urging football authorities, governments, and law enforcement agencies to work together in tackling racism in sport.
“Football must be a place of respect and equality for everyone involved in the game,” he said.
