Statue of Ghanaian-born Arthur Wharton to be displayed at FIFA headquarters

FIFA is set to pay tribute to Ghanaian-born Arthur Wharton, the world’s first black professional player said to be one of football’s true pioneers.

The player will be formally recognised in a ceremony at FIFA headquarters, in Switzerland on June 6, 2012.

The Northern Echo reports that representatives from the Arthur Wharton Foundation are travelling 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, according to the report.

Founder of the Foundation, Shaun Campbell told the Northern Echo that “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.”

Arthur Wharton was born in Ghana and started his career as a player in Darlington. He played for teams like Preston North End, Rotherham United and Sheffield United.

He died in December 1930 at the age of 65.

By Ekow Quandzie