In a move framed as boosting football diplomacy, Spain and Brazil are set to meet in a friendly in March 2024 on neutral turf, a gesture cited by officials as a pledge to Unite fans and condemn racism and violence in the sport. The announcement came from the Royal Spanish Football Federation and the Brazilian Football Confederation, signaling a joint commitment to cleaner behavior on and off the pitch.
The match, described by the RFEF as a major football celebration, is planned to occur on Spanish soil, with both federations emphasizing the event as a platform to address social issues connected to the game. The plan follows recent high-profile incidents involving players from both sides that sparked debates about conduct, resilience, and the responsibility of clubs and national teams to model respectful behavior.
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#OneSkin #AMesmaPele
⚽️ @cbf_futebol
– RFEF announced in June 2023 that the collaboration would emphasize unity and anti-discrimination efforts.
This initiative aligns with ongoing campaigns supported by the RFEF, the Spanish national sports council, and LaLiga, which aim to remove racist and xenophobic attitudes from football venues and to raise fans’ awareness that insults or discriminatory actions have no place in the sport.
Spain and Brazil are strengthening their football ties and their social commitments under the banner One Skin. Recently, Luis Rubiales, head of the RFEF, met at Football City Las Rozas near Madrid with the Brazilian ambassador to Spain to discuss this cooperative effort. Rubiales has also maintained regular dialogue with the Brazilian Football Confederation head, and both leaders view the match as an opportunity to reinforce friendship and stand united against violence in football.
The upcoming match will mark the tenth meeting between the two nations. The last competitive encounter between Spain and Brazil was in a major tournament final held in 2013, and the historical series includes several wins and draws, underscoring the long-standing football rivalry and mutual respect that characterize the fixture.
If Spain has official commitments during the March 2024 window, the federation plans to adjust the calendar to keep this Spanish-Brazilian friendship match as a clear statement against racism and to showcase a positive, inclusive atmosphere at the highest levels of international football.