According to Brazilian soccer player Vinícius Júnior, the World Cup should not be held in Spain if racism cannot be eradicated in the country.
Real Madrid’s star player Vinicius Junior says that Spain should not be allowed to host the World Cup in 2030 unless racism is eradicated from the country. The Brazilian player took CNN’s position on the matter in the interview.
Spain is set to host the 2030 World Cup alongside Portugal and Morocco.
– By 2030, we have a large margin for change. So I hope that Spain can develop and understand how serious it is to offend someone because of their skin color, says Vinícius.
– If things don’t change before 2030, the Games will have to change places, because the players don’t feel comfortable and are not confident playing in a country where they might suffer from racism.
The 24-year-old Vinícius has represented the Madrid club, which plays in the Spanish premier league, La Liga, since 2018. He has had to face racism because of his skin color several times during his time playing in Spain. He has spoken openly about his experiences and demanded measures to improve the matter.
– It’s complicated, but I believe and want to do everything I can so that things can change. There are many people in Spain, or even the majority, who are not racist. But there is a small group that affects the image of a country where it is nice to live, the Brazilian thinks.
Last June, three people received an eight-month prison sentence after insulting Vinícius during a match played in the spring of 2023. That is the first time in history that a judgment has been given in Spain for racially insulting a football player.