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LALIGA leads the way in the bid to tackle racism and make football a more inclusive sport for all.
In the world of sports, football has always been more than just a game - it is a unifying force that brings people together, transcending borders and cultures.
However, the beautiful game has also faced its fair share of challenges, with the scourge of racism and discrimination threatening to tarnish its legacy and image across the world.
But in the face of this adversity, one league has emerged as a beacon of hope - LALIGA.
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“Racism has no place in football or society,” says Desmond Chiji, LALIGA’s delegate here in Nigeria. “LALIGA’s commitment is for transparency, unity, respect and diversity, which makes the game beautiful.”
LALIGA VS: A Comprehensive Approach
LALIGA’s commitment to eradicating hate and promoting inclusivity is evident in its multi-faceted initiative, LALIGA VS.
This wide-reaching platform serves as a comprehensive approach to addressing the issue, encompassing three key pillars: action, prevention, and education.
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The league takes decisive action wherever racist incidents are identified in and outside stadiums, leveraging the full extent of its permitted legal resources to report and pursue cases of violence, racism, and intolerance within the sport.
By actively engaging with the State Commission on Violence, Racism, Xenophobia, and Intolerance in Sport over the past half-decade, as well as the courts, LALIGA has sent a clear message that such behaviour will not be tolerated.
This continued and relentless action has borne fruit: in June 2024, the first-ever conviction for racist insults at a football match in Spain was handed down as a result of a complaint filed directly by LALIGA to the courts.
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Three perpetrators were sentenced to eight months in jail and given a two-year ban from LALIGA stadiums for racist chants directed at Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr during Valencia CF – Real Madrid in May 2023.
“This ruling is great news for the fight against racism in football, as it goes some way to redressing the disgraceful wrong suffered by Vinicius Jr and sends a clear message to those individuals who go to a football stadium to hurl abuse,” said LALIGA president Javier Tebas.
“LALIGA will identify them, report them, and there will be criminal consequences.”
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Prevention is another vital component of LALIGA VS., with the league launching awareness campaigns and collaborating with strategic partners to reach a wider audience.
Initiatives including the Week Against Racism with partners such as EA SPORTS, the Player’s Manual, and the Fan's Manual aim to empower fans and players alike to take a stand against hate.
And in a wider sense, education is another foundation of LALIGA’s efforts to combat racism, recognising that instilling values of respect, tolerance, and inclusion at every level of society is crucial.
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Through awareness-raising programs like Futura Afición (‘Future Fans’) and training courses for players, officials, and law enforcement, LALIGA is sowing the seeds of
change, ensuring that the next generation of football enthusiasts embrace the sport’s unifying power.
LALIGA VS Projects: Raising the Bar
LALIGA VS is not just a slogan; it’s a multifaceted initiative that is making tangible strides in the fight against racism and discrimination.
From preventive signage in stadiums to the deployment of match directors and the innovative MOOD (Monitor for the Observation of Hate in Sport) project, LALIGA is leaving no stone unturned and has together with its clubs launched over 700 initiatives and projects combating discrimination in the past decade.
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The captains’ armbands, emblazoned with the “LALIGA VS Racism” message, serve as a powerful symbol, calling upon players and fans alike to be the “captains” in the fight against hatred, as do the increased presence of security officers at matches.
MOOD LALIGA: Shining a Light on Hate
The “MOOD” (the Monitor for the Observation of Hate in Sport, translated from its Spanish title) project is a groundbreaking initiative developed through LALIGA VS that takes the fight against discrimination to the digital realm.
By continuously monitoring social media conversations around LALIGA, this independent tool provides valuable insights into the level of hate and racism within in online conversations.
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The weekly reports generated by MOOD serve as a constant reminder that the battle is ongoing, and that vigilance is essential.
The decreasing levels of hate speech detected by MOOD demonstrate the effectiveness of LALIGA’s multifaceted approach.
As the league continues to refine its protocols and introduce new initiatives, the path towards a more inclusive and respectful football culture becomes increasingly clear.
A Call to Arms: Football for All
Football has the power to unite communities, to inspire, and to create lasting change.
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LALIGA’s unwavering commitment to eradicating racism and promoting inclusivity is a shining example of how sports can lead the charge in creating a better world.
Through its comprehensive LALIGA VS initiative, the league is not only addressing the issue at hand but also setting the standard for other organisations to follow.
By educating, preventing, and taking decisive action, LALIGA is paving the way for a future where football truly is “for all” - a sport that celebrates diversity, embraces unity, and leaves no room for hate.
As we look to the future, let us join LALIGA in this noble crusade, standing shoulder to shoulder as we kick racism and discrimination out of the game.
Together, we can ensure that the beautiful game remains a source of joy, pride, and inspiration for people of all backgrounds, colours, and creeds.
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