Home Featured Vinicius Jr: Spain must reduce racism or don’t host 2030 World Cup

Vinicius Jr: Spain must reduce racism or don’t host 2030 World Cup

Vinicius Junior said that Spain should lose its right to host the 2023 World Cup unless the country can reduce its issues with racism.

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Vinicius calls for Spain to improve on racism issue

The Real Madrid forward has encountered several incidents of racial abuse, including one at Valencia’s Mestalla Stadium in May 2023.

Earlier this year, three fans were jailed for their involvement in the incident, marking Spain’s first conviction of this nature.

Spain, along with Portugal and Morocco, will co-host the 2030 World Cup.

In an interview with CNN, Vinicius, 24, suggested that the federation should consider changing the venue if the racism issue persists.

“Until 2030, we have a lot of room to evolve,” Vinicius said.

“I hope that Spain can evolve, and understand how serious it is to insult someone because of the colour of their skin.”

“If by 2030 things don’t improve, I think we have to move the location, because if a player doesn’t feel comfortable and safe playing in a country where they can suffer racism, it’s a bit difficult.”

Spain condemns Vinicius

Vinicius’ comments quickly sparked a debate in the Spanish media.

Madrid Mayor Jose Luis Martínez-Almeida condemned Vinicius’ statement about Spain losing its hosting rights.

“I hope he rectifies those statements immediately,” he said. “We are all aware that there are still racist episodes in society and we have to work hard to eliminate them, but it is deeply unfair to Spain and Madrid to say that we are a racist society as Vinicius has said.

“It jeopardises the holding of the 2030 World Cup here in Madrid and in Spain … Even though he is an extraordinary footballer, that doesn’t mean he can put his foot in his mouth, and he has put his foot in his mouth.

Spain national team coach Luis de la Fuente agreed with the Madrid mayor, saying that not all Spanish people are racist.

“Spain isn’t racist,” he said.

He added: “Spain is an example of co-existence, respect and integration. It’s an example a lot of people should look at.”

“Are there always a few undesirables? Of course… But Spain isn’t racist, it’s a country a lot of other countries should look at. Spain hosting the World Cup with Morocco and Portugal will be something unique.”

Vinicius clarifies his comments

Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal expressed agreement with his teammate’s sentiment regarding racism but stated that Spain should not be stripped of the 2030 World Cup hosting rights.

“I’d just say that we, [Vinícius’] teammates, the players, the manager, we’re against any racist incident in stadiums. I know what Vini suffers. We’ve supported him internally and publicly,” he said.

“LaLiga is improving its protocols so that people who go to stadiums to insult people for the color of their skin shouldn’t be allowed back into sporting events. But beyond that small group of people, I don’t think that Spain doesn’t deserve to host the World Cup.”

“Spain has a huge cultural diversity, there are a lot of cultures living in our country, for me, since I was little I’ve been around lots of different nationalities in my neighbourhood in Leganés. Spain isn’t a racist country.”

Meanwhile, Vinicius clarified that his comments are directed at a minority of supporters.

“There are a lot of people in Spain, the majority, that aren’t racist,” he said. “It’s a small group that ends up affecting the image of a country that’s good to live in. I love playing for Real Madrid. I love Spain, having the best conditions to live here with my family.”

“We hope things can evolve more. They’ve already evolved, but they can evolve a lot more. For 2030, racist incidents and racism can, and should, decrease.”