President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku Leading FIFA’s Anti-Racism Initiative

Chairman Appointment

President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku has been selected as the Chair of FIFA’s Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Committee, a prominent organization committed to combatting racism, inequality, and discrimination within international football.

This appointment, announced in a letter from FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström dated October 7, 2025, grants Mr. Simeon-Okraku the position until 2029. This accolade highlights his exceptional leadership abilities and growing prominence in the realm of global football governance.

Background and Experience

In addition to his role as President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Mr. Simeon-Okraku is also the 2nd Vice President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). His extensive achievements embody Ghana’s football diplomacy and governance. His lifelong dedication to the sport began when he owned a football club at just 17, which has been complemented by a progressive journey characterized by innovative leadership and academic accomplishments.

Mr. Simeon-Okraku’s qualifications include:

• MBA in Football Management from the University of Liverpool (UK)
• Certificate in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Trinity College (Manchester, UK)
• Advanced Certificate in Marketing from Emile Woolf College (London)
• Diploma in Journalism from the Ghana Institute of Journalism
• Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the University of Ghana

Prior to his current GFA role, he had a distinguished career, having served as:

• Executive Chairman of Dreams FC
• General Manager of Wassaman FC
• Administrative Manager at the Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA)
• Communications and Marketing Director for Accra Hearts of Oak

He has also contributed significantly to various GFA committees, advancing from Vice Chairman to Chairman of the MTN FA Cup Committee and serving as an Executive Committee member of the GFA.

Committee Members

Alongside Mr. Simeon-Okraku, the FIFA Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Committee includes an array of distinguished figures from around the world:

• Mark Wade (Bermuda) – Vice Chairman
• Lorrelle Abrams (British Virgin Islands)
• Irene Aguiar (Spain)
• Shaikh Hassan Al-Khalifa (Bahrain)
• Rivaldo Antonio (Guinea-Bissau)
• Bennett Bailey (South Africa)
• Paul-Claude Berude (Canada)
• Isayas Jira Bosho (Ethiopia)
• Marco Brunelli (Italy)
• Karina Chango (Ecuador)
• David Courell (Republic of Ireland)
• Milovan Djukanovic (Montenegro)
• Nilton Gusmao (Timor-Leste)
• Dong-ho Lim (Korea Republic)
• Abdulhakeen Mustapha (Nigeria)
• Rakesh Naidoo (New Zealand)
• Agnieszka Olesinska (Poland)
• Fabrice Shema (Rwanda)
• Bounyou Sisane (Laos)
• Gaston Uribe (Bolivia)

Commitment to Inclusivity

Under Mr. Simeon-Okraku’s guidance, the committee aims to enhance FIFA’s global initiatives dedicated to promoting inclusivity, respect, and equality within football.

This notable appointment not only reinforces Mr. Simeon-Okraku’s reputation as a respected figure in football administration but also signifies Ghana’s increasing influence in the sphere of international football governance. It represents a source of pride for the Ghanaian football community and showcases the nation’s ongoing contributions to the global sport.

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