Brazilian striker Vinicius Junior has sparked a furore in Spain, co-host of the 2030 World Cup, by suggesting that the competition be handed over to another country in the absence of progress in the fight against racism in Spanish stadiums.
Interviewed by the American television channel CNN, the Real Madrid star, who has been the victim of racist insults on several occasions in La Liga, said on Tuesday that efforts still needed to be made to change mentalities in Spanish society.
“By 2030 there is a lot of room for change, so I hope Spain can evolve and understand how serious it is to insult someone because of the colour of their skin,” said the 24-year-old forward.
But “if things don’t change by 2030, I think we’ll have to change the venue” for the 2030 World Cup, because “a player doesn’t feel comfortable and confident playing in a country where he could be a victim of racism,” he continued.
The statements sparked strong reactions in Spain, which is due to host the 2030 World Cup alongside Portugal and Morocco, with many considering Vinicius’ proposal excessive and the racist incidents isolated.
“Spain is in no way a racist country” and “does not deserve to be deprived of the World Cup,” replied the captain of La Roja, Dani Carvajal, also a teammate of Vinicius at Real Madrid, at a press conference.
“I know what Vinicius is going through” from some fans “but La Liga is improving and protocols are being drawn up so that these lunatics can no longer participate in sporting events,” he added.
“There are always undesirables” but “Spain is not racist, it is an example of coexistence and integration”, added the coach of the Roja, Luis de la Fuente, assuring that the 2030 World Cup would be a “success”.
Madrid Mayor José Luis Martinez-Almeida (PP, right) called on the Brazilian to “immediately rectify his statements.” “It is profoundly unfair (…) to say that we are a racist society,” he insisted.
A leading figure in the fight against racism in football, Vinicius was notably the subject of insults during a match in Valencia in May 2023. Three supporters were sentenced to eight months in prison in this case, which sparked an unprecedented wave of international indignation.
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