Faced with a new case of racism against Vinicius Júnior, FIFA president Gianni Infantino spoke out this Monday in support of the player. The director of football’s top governing body posted a video on his social media lamenting what happened and pointing out solutions for cases like this.
Gianni Infantino recalled a speech he made just two months ago, in which he addressed racist attacks suffered by Vinicius Jr. in another match of the Spanish Championship. In the publication, the Italian said he considered “unacceptable” new cases of this nature.
“I find it totally unacceptable that I can post this video of what I said at the FIFA Congress in March 2023 – two months ago! – about what should happen on the football pitch and this message is even more relevant today than when I said it. This is madness! Now, I want to make it clear that there is no room for racism or any form of discrimination – in football and in society. Stop talking, start acting,” wrote the president.
The director also listed some actions that must be taken to prevent these events. According to Infantino, “it’s nothing new, just the application of existing best practices, laws and regulations.” Among them are the “automatic forfeit loss” for the team whose fans commit racist acts that cause the match to be abandoned and the permanent banning of criminals from all stadiums in the world.
On behalf of FIFA, Gianni Infantino also published an official note in solidarity with Vinicius Jr.
Vinicius Jr. suffered racist attacks during the match between Valencia and Real Madrid last Sunday. The game was stopped after the Brazilian said he had identified one of the attackers. At the end of the match, the attacker still fell out with rival players and was expelled.
Check out FIFA’s note in solidarity with Vincius Jr. published by Gianni Infantino in full:
“Full solidarity with Vinicius. There is no place for racism in football or society and FIFA stands up for all players who have ever found themselves in situations like this. Events during the match between Valencia and Real Madrid show that this needs to be the case.
That’s why the three-step process exists in FIFA competitions at all levels of football. First, you stop the game, and announce what happened. Second, the players leave the field and the loudspeakers announce that if the attacks continue, the match will be suspended. The match restarts, and if, in third place, the attacks continue, the match will be stopped and the three points will go to the opponent. These are the rules that should be implemented in all countries and all leagues.
Clearly, this is easier said than done, but we need to do it and support it through education.”
2023-05-22 22:24:00
#FIFA #President #Infantino #regrets #attacks #Vini #points #actions
