Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior to lead FIFA’s anti-racism efforts

Vinicius Junior is one of the highest-paid players in Real Madrid

Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior to lead FIFA’s anti-racism efforts

Ayoola Kelechi 08:02 - 16.06.2023

FIFA's president Gianni Infantino has announced that they will partner with Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior in their efforts to combat racism

Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior is set to lead FIFA’s newest anti-racism efforts, which the body says will ensure that “there will be no more football with racism in it.”

Vinicius set to partner FIFA in anti-racism efforts

Vinicius has been the victim of several race-fuelled attacks during LaLiga matches, including a recent incident between Real Madrid and Valencia, where the match had to be stopped following offensive chanting from Los Che supporters against the Brazilian defender. 

Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior ad Antonio Rudiger
Vinicius Jr of Real Madrid has suffered racist abuse on numerous occasions this season in LaLiga

The 22-year-old winger was incensed following the incident and was critical on social media of LaLiga’s handling of that and other similar incidents that had involved him. 

FIFA president Gianni Infantino showed support for Vinicius on that occasion and has followed this up by incorporating the Brazilian star into world football’s governing body’s efforts to combat the racism problem. 

Infantino meets with Vinicius on racism policy

Speaking ahead of Brazil’s friendly against Guinea on Saturday, which is set to be used as part of an anti-racism campaign by the Brazilian FA, Infantino said he had spoken with Vinicius, hoping that the Brazilian and other players could help FIFA come up with stricter punishments for racially charged incidents. 

Speaking to Reuters, Infantino said, "I asked Vinicius to lead this group of players that will present stricter punishments against racism that will later be implemented by all football authorities around the world.

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"We need to hear the players and what they need to work in a safer environment. We are very serious about it.

"We will implement very blunt and strong punishments to end once and for all with the problem of racism in football. We can't tolerate racism anymore. As president of FIFA, I feel I needed to talk personally with Vinicius about it.” 

FIFA hopes to implement real measures that will finally bring about a change in the way these incidents are handled, not just in Spain but in all its member nations. 

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