FIFA to honour first black player-Ghanaian Arthur Wharton

Published on: 05 June 2012

Football's governing body is to pay tribute to one of the game’s true pioneers-Arthur Wharton, the world's first black professional player.

Wharton, who started his career in Darlington, will be formally recognised in a ceremony at FIFA headquarters, in Switzerland, tomorrow.

Representatives from the Arthur Wharton foundation, which is based in Darlington, will travel to Zurich to present a 2.5ft solid bronze maquette statue of the goalkeeper to FIFA president, Sepp Blatter.

The statue will be put on permanent display at FIFA headquarters.

Shaun Campbell, who set up the foundation, said: "To see Arthur Wharton being recognised, honoured, and celebrated at the highest echelon in football is wonderful news, both poignant and appropriate as a lasting tribute to his legacy as the world’s first black professional footballer.

''Arthur Wharton has now been formally recognised for his role as a pioneer and trailblazer by The FA, UEFA and now by FIFA – all of whom will have a maquette statue of Arthur Wharton on display at their respective headquarters.

"This collective show of support demonstrates the commitment and desire to see Arthur Wharton rightfully acknowledged for the crucial role that he played in contributing to what is known today as ‘the beautiful game’ that is football.

"The pioneering legacy that Arthur has bequeathed is farreaching and should never be forgotten.

"It is fitting that the Foundation is based in Darlington, England, where he first played football in 1883 at the historical ground called Feethams.

"Darlington is a town which, all those years ago, campaigned to The Times newspaper for Arthur to be the first black footballer to be selected for England.

"The generous donation received from FIFA in return for the maquette statue will enable the foundation to continue to raise awareness of Arthur Wharton, his story and the need to embrace culture and diversity towards equality for all."

Arthur Wharton was born in Ghana and represented a number of teams after leaving Darlington, including Preston North End, Rotherham United and Sheffield United.

He died in December 1930, aged 65. For more information about the foundation, visit arthurwharton.com

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