Vinicius Junior: Spain must reduce racism or lose the 2030 World Cup

[ad_1]

real Madrid And brazil Ahead Vinicius Junior Said Spain On Tuesday, there was outrage in the country and it was said that if India does not improve on the issue of racism then it should be stripped of the rights to host the 2030 World Cup.

Vinicius has faced Repeated racist abuse From the opposition fans, Three people jailed The guilty verdict was the first of its kind in the country, for an incident that took place in Valencia in June.

The 2030 edition of the FIFA tournament will be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco. Extensive interview with CNN In an article published last week, Vinicius said a change of venue should be considered if there is not sufficient progress on the issue.

“Until 2030, we have a lot of room for growth,” Vinicius said. “I hope Spain can grow, and understand how serious it is to insult someone because of their skin colour. If things don’t improve by 2030, I think we’ll have to change location, because if a player doesn’t feel comfortable and safe playing in a country where he might face racism, it’s a bit difficult.”

The comments sparked debate in the Spanish media on Tuesday, with some arguing that Vinicius had wrongly labeled the country racist.

Former Madrid and Spain goalkeeper Paco Buyo said on late-night TV show El Chiringuito that “it saddens me that Vinicius is putting us all together”, while high-profile AS columnist Tomas Roncero called on the player to “clarify” his comments.

However, Vinicius clarified in the interview that his comments were aimed at a minority of supporters.

“There are many people in Spain, the majority, who are not racist,” he said. “It is a small group that affects the image of a country that is good to live in. I love playing for Real Madrid. I love Spain, it has the best conditions to live with my family.

“We hope that things can evolve further. They have already evolved, but they can evolve much more. By 2030, racist incidents and racism can, and should, decrease.”

Madrid Mayor Jose Luis Martinez-Almeida condemned Vinicius’ statements while speaking to the media on Wednesday.

“I hope he will immediately correct his statements,” he added. “We all know that there are still racist incidents in society and we have to work hard to eliminate them, but it is very inappropriate for Spain and Madrid to say that we are a racist society, as Vinicius has said.

“This will jeopardise the hosting of the 2030 World Cup in Madrid and Spain… Even though he is an exceptional footballer, that doesn’t mean he can admit his mistake, and he has admitted his mistake.

Martinez-Almeida said Vinicius should apologise to the people of Madrid and Spain.

Vinicius, 24, has won two Champions League and three La Liga titles since joining Madrid in 2018.

The issue of racism in Spanish football attracted worldwide attention when the Brazil international was racially abused by fans at Valencia’s Mestalla Stadium in May 2023.

Last month, ESPN reported that Vinicius – who has a contract at Madrid until 2027 – had been transferred to considering an offer He has decided to move to Saudi Arabia, but has put off the final decision until next summer.

[ad_2]

Source link

Scroll to Top