FIFPro Honours Nelson Mandela

The former South African president has been noted for his contribution towards non-racism and peace, and his commitment to football.

Nelson Mandela - South Africa (PA)
Former President Nelson Mandela has been honoured by the Federation of International Football Players Representative Organisation (FIFPro) in recognition of his contribution towards non-racism and peace, and his commitment to football.

The Minister of Human Settlements Tokyo Sexwale, who is also a Trustee of the Nelson Mandela Foundation (NMF) and an Executive Member of FIFA, received the award on behalf of Mandela.

The award, which is usually given to the best player worldwide as voted by other professional football players is, according to FIFPro, “one that is the world’s footballers' recognition of Madiba, the best player in the world”.

Sexwale said that Mandela was responsible for ensuring that FIFA banned apartheid South Africa from participating in international football, and therefore Mandela made certain, upon his release, to bring South Africa back into FIFA’s fold.

FIFPro Division Africa Executive Member, Thulaganyo Gaoshubelwe said that the award symbolised all professional footballers respect for Mandela, as well as their support in continuing Mandela’s legacy.

On receiving the award, Sexwale expressed his pleasure at receiving this unique honour on behalf of Mandela, which will be the first and only award of its kind.
Thank you for your comment!
Please enter your name
Please enter your location
Please share your comment!
Comments
2 Comments
 
Advertisement
play pause open close
Inside Goal.Com
  1. Capello-Terry debacle won't be the last FA scandal Capello-Terry debacle won't be the last FA scandal

    Keir Radnedge takes a trip down memory lane and concludes that the FA will continue to frustrate friend and foe alike following the England manager's resignation

  2. Player Ratings: Osasuna 3-2 Barcelona Player Ratings: Osasuna 3-2 Barcelona

    Goal.com rates the players on show as Pep Guardiola's side suffer another away set back in La Liga at the hands of Jose Luis Mendilibar's men

  3. Player Ratings: Udinese 1-2 AC Milan Player Ratings: Udinese 1-2 AC Milan

    Substitute Maxi Lopez provided a winning cameo to lift Allegri's men to a comeback win just when it appeared they'd lose second spot to the Zebrette

  4. Player Ratings: Manchester United 2-1 Liverpool Player Ratings: Manchester United 2-1 Liverpool

    Wayne Rooney double sends hosts top as Luis Suarez scores at Old Trafford after snubbing Evra handshake

  5. Player Ratings: Sunderland 1-2 Arsenal Player Ratings: Sunderland 1-2 Arsenal

    Thierry Henry comes off the bench to mark Premier League farewell in style with dramatic late winner to complete impressive fightback against Martin O'Neill's side

 
Advertisement
Advertisement