Vinícius Jr., the Brazilian forward for Real Madrid, has stirred significant controversy in Spain with his recent statements suggesting that the 2030 World Cup should be moved if the country doesn’t make meaningful progress in its fight against racism.
The comments, made during an interview with CNN, have drawn widespread attention and sparked a heated discussion both in the media and on social platforms.
Vinícius emphasized the need for Spain to address racism seriously, stating, "We have a lot of time until 2030 for progress to be made. I hope Spain can evolve and understand how serious it is to insult someone because of the color of their skin."
He went further, expressing that if conditions do not improve by 2030, the World Cup should consider relocating to ensure the safety and comfort of players who might otherwise face racial abuse.
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Vinícius praises progress but calls for more action
Despite his concerns, Vinícius acknowledged that Spain has already made strides in combating racism, particularly within football. He highlighted the importance of recent legal actions, saying,
"Three people were sentenced to prison for insulting me during a match. And that will always be remembered in history because it was the first time, and every time it happens again, those responsible will be held accountable."
However, his comments have not gone without backlash. Madrid's Mayor, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, responded to Vinícius’s remarks, urging the player to reconsider his statement.
"I hope he corrects his statement immediately. We are all aware that there are racist incidents in society and that we must work hard to eliminate them. It is unfair to say that Spain and Madrid are racist societies," the Mayor said in a reaction reported by El Chiringuito.
Vinícius's call for action and the subsequent reactions highlight the ongoing challenges and discussions surrounding racism in football, particularly as Spain prepares for the possibility of hosting the 2030 World Cup.