Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior is set to assume a prominent position in an anti-racism task force initiated by FIFA, the global governing body for football, announced on Thursday.
In a statement, FIFA revealed their plans to establish a task force dedicated to providing specific recommendations, with Vinicius Junior playing a significant role in its activities. Follow your favourite football team with attractive betting odds from Gclub.
The move comes in response to racial incidents that have plagued the sport, aiming to address the issue and implement effective measures against racism.
Vinicius, who identifies as Black, was subjected to racial abuse by Valencia fans in May, an incident that sparked worldwide condemnation.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized the importance of taking decisive and resolute action to combat racism and discrimination, stating on Instagram, “It’s very important not just to talk about racism and discrimination, but to take action in a decisive and convincing manner — zero tolerance.”
Infantino expressed FIFA’s solidarity with the Brazilian Football Confederation and all players engaged in the fight against racism. He commended the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) for its introduction of sporting sanctions in response to such incidents.
The FIFA president emphasized that racism has no place in football, stating, “There is no football if there is racism! So let’s stop the games.” Infantino called for actions to be taken at all levels, both nationally and internationally, and emphasized FIFA’s commitment to pursuing this cause until the end.
Vinicius Junior has endured numerous instances of racial abuse over the past two years, often without adequate consequences for the perpetrators.
Only after the tenth reported incident of racist abuse targeting the talented winger during a La Liga match between Valencia and Real Madrid last month did Spanish football authorities decide to take concrete action.
Following the incident, the police made seven arrests, and the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) launched an anti-racism campaign while ordering the partial closure of Valencia’s stadium.
Vinicius recently addressed the media for the first time since the racial abuse incident in Valencia, expressing his gratitude for the support he has received. He acknowledged the importance of FIFA’s efforts and welcomed the creation of the anti-racism task force, stating, “I think it’s important and necessary, I embrace it.”
Supporters found guilty of abusing Vinicius have faced stadium bans and fines imposed by Spanish authorities in recent weeks.
Infantino stressed the need for global measures to eradicate racial discrimination in football, emphasizing that racism is not limited to Spain alone. He urged collective action to combat racism worldwide.
It is worth noting that FIFA had previously established an anti-racism task force in 2013 following an infamous incident of abuse suffered by AC Milan midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng, who is also Black. Boateng collaborated with the task force, which was disbanded by FIFA in 2016, shortly after Infantino’s election. At the time, FIFA stated that the task force had successfully achieved its temporary objectives. Get the latest updates from the world of football only on Gclub Sports.
