FIFA President Gianni Infantino addressed the racist insults directed at Vinicius during a Mestalla stadium fixture, reiterating FIFA’s anti-racism protocol. He underscored the need for players and officials to act decisively when abuse occurs, including pausing play or even leaving the pitch if discriminatory chants persist.
Infantino points to Spain
In his statement, Infantino cited the Valencia versus Real Madrid clash as a stark reminder of how critical the fight against racism is in football. He highlighted a three-stage process that FIFA competitions follow and urged adoption of this protocol at every level of the sport. The emphasis is on consistent action, clear communication, and a unified standard that all leagues can implement to protect players and preserve the integrity of the game.
Vinicius: “Spain is the land of racists”
Vinicius has repeatedly faced slurs and hostile comments, drawing international attention to the persistent problem of racism in football. The events in Spain prompted renewed calls for robust enforcement of anti-racism rules and for authorities to support players both on and off the field. Infantino outlined the progression used to respond to abuse: first, the match is halted and announced; second, players exit the field and the announcer warns that abuse will end the game; third, if the attacks continue, the match is stopped and points awarded to the opponent. These steps are designed to be applied uniformly across countries and leagues to deter discriminatory behavior.
Infantino acknowledged that translating policy into practice is challenging, yet he stressed that the fight against racism requires ongoing education and steadfast implementation. He noted that referees in some situations have been advised to stop matches in cases of persistent abuse, while also recognizing that enforcement can vary depending on local laws. The conversation surrounding Vinicius’s case underscores the need for clear, consistent, and enforceable rules for all competitions.
From Thebes to Vinícius: “Don’t let yourself be manipulated and make sure you understand each other’s skills well”
The discussion expands beyond immediate incidents to emphasize mutual respect and understanding among players, coaches, and fans. The message advocates that players maintain focus on their craft while addressing misconduct with composure and resilience. The broader aim is to cultivate a football culture where skills, effort, and teamwork are celebrated, and where insults and discrimination have no place on or off the pitch.
Lula with Vinicius
Infantino joined the chorus of voices offering support after the incident, alongside Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who condemned the racist act against Vinicius. He called for decisive consequences for those responsible and expressed hope that the episode would catalyze stronger actions in the future. The discussion also touched on the upcoming G7 summit, where leaders weigh how to address social issues affecting athletes and communities. The overall stance is that a strong, united response is essential to protect players who represent the sport on the world stage, and to deter anyone from engaging in hate-filled behavior.