Vinicius Jr. a star player for Real Madrid and Brazil, will be in charge of a special player-run FIFA anti-racism committee. The committee will try to push for tougher penalties for any instances of racism in football, which is long overdue.
Vinicius Jr., undoubtedly LaLiga’s face, recently came under fire after hearing cries from Valenica supporters during a 1-0 away loss at the Mestalla in May. This LaLiga season alone, the 22-year-old star reported instances of racial harassment nine times.
Vini Jr. was candid about his thoughts towards his time in LaLiga thus far, saying that he thought racism similar to what he encountered at the Mestalla had become “normal” in the top division. The Brazilian was forthright in his opinions, noting that Brazil views Spain as a nation of bigots.
The president of LaLiga, Javier Tebas, was not amused by Vinicius’ criticism of Spain. Tebas, a Costa Rican who was born in Brazil, criticised the Brazilian response to the awful events but failed to increase support for the abused star.
The president of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, told the Brazilian national team in Barcelona that racism will no longer be present in football and told Reuters: “There will be no more football with racism in it. When it occurs, the games should be promptly stopped. There has been enough.”
Infantino emphasised the significance of taking legal action and not only fining football fans for their behaviour within the confines of the stadium. “An act of racism is a criminal act,” said the president. Fifa will now pursue legal action alongside local authorities and we’ll join any complaints made to the local justice system.
Suggested Read: Angel City FC reportedly fires coach Freya Coombe after 28 games
