More than 20 percent of the abuse was homophobic and more than 15 percent was sexual in nature, the report found. The female players were 28.5 percent more likely to be subjected to abuse than male players at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
“The hatred and abuse that exists online is a social crisis that touches individuals all over the world and cannot be simply ignored or easily shrugged off,” the report reads. “In professional football, this toxic online environment is a difficult and risky place to be in for players. …
“The risks and mental health challenges associated with being victim of online abuse are real and have a direct and immediate effect on players.