Vinicius: If Racial Discrimination in Spain Does Not Improve by the End of the Year, Don’t Host the World Cup

According to a report by Spanish newspaper Marca, a Real Madrid star recently talked about the issue of racial discrimination currently present in Spain during an interview and made a shocking statement: “If the situation of racism in Spain does not improve by 2030, the venue for the World Cup should be changed.”

Vinicius stated: “There is still much room for improvement. I hope that Spain can progress and understand how serious it is to insult others based on their skin color, because if the situation has not improved by 2030, I believe the venue (for the World Cup) should be changed. Because if players may suffer from racism, feel uncomfortable, and lack a sense of security, the game will be hard to carry out.”

Vinicius sees himself as part of the solution: “I will do my best to bring about change because there are many people in Spain, the majority, who are not racists. It’s just a small group that ends up affecting the image of this country, which is otherwise very suitable for living. I like playing for Real Madrid. I love Spain, and here I have the best living conditions with my family. We hope things will continue to develop; there has been some progress already, but there can be greater progress. By 2030, the number of racists and racist incidents should decrease, and it can decrease.”

“We often discuss this issue at the club. Not only me, all the players say that if it happens again, we should leave the field next time and impose stricter penalties on those who insult us.”

He is glad he can contribute: “Today, perhaps some fans are still racists, but they are afraid to express racist remarks in stadiums and places with many cameras. In this way, we will gradually reduce racism. Of course, we cannot eradicate it, but I am already happy to be able to change the mindset of the Spanish people.”

Vinicius previously said: “I am not against Spanish fans; I am against racism worldwide. I have talked to many people who want to help me… Some people will speak well of me, and some will speak ill of me. But I have to get used to it. I always think about helping all anti-racism organizations. I have talked to UEFA, FIFA, La Liga, and the situation has indeed improved. They are also making efforts, but it is also difficult because racism is not considered a crime. The defense against racism is not strong enough to combat racism.”