It’s 2023, and the world of games is still facing Racism. These acts of Racism are typically directed at players of color ( Black) by opponents and even fans. But, now the FIFA Chief Infantino thinks that proper and more strict actions need to be taken to nip it in the bud.
To Infantino, Racism is a criminal act and must be stopped at all costs and the football authorities worldwide should take strict actions against it.
Infantino thinks racism can be controlled by suggesting that the referees should be given greater power so that they have the authority to halt the game at any time if any racism occurs.
He said in an interview, “It’s very important not just to talk about racism and discrimination, but to take action in a decisive and convincing manner – zero tolerance,”
The latest incident of Racism has occurred with Vinicius who is one of the top players of Real Madrid. The act occurred in La Liga, Spain by fans. The referees nor the authorities took any action however the act occurred throughout the season.
The Brazilian player pointed toward the people chanting as a result he was fined €45,000 and a partial ban of five matches
A complaint was also filed by Real Madrid but Vinicius was soon disappointed by the lack of action taken against the racial act.
After the La Liga incident, he posted, “This wasn’t the first time, or the second, or the third,”
“Racism is normal in La Liga. The competition thinks it’s normal, the federation does too, and opponents encourage it. I’m so sorry. The championship that once belonged to Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano [Ronaldo], and [Lionel] Messi, today belongs to racists.”
After looking at the situation, Gianni Infantino stated, “A “zero tolerance” approach must be taken over racism in football, and referees at all levels must stop matches if such incidents occur”,
Infantino also had a meeting with Vinicius Junior to discuss the action that needs to be taken against Racism after what is done by the crowd in Spain
“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 said after the said meeting with Vinicius and other team members in Barcelona.
“There is no football if there is racism – so let’s stop the games. The referees have this opportunity in FIFA competitions as we have this process for stopping the game, and actions have to be taken at every level, at the national level as well,” Infantino said.
“It’s a football-related problem and we mustn’t look for excuses like: ‘It’s society’s problem, therefore, it’s fine in football.’ In the world of football, we must act in a very forceful way,” Infantino said
“We want to identify racists in stadiums and across social media. They are criminals. They have to be banned from stadiums across the globe. The authorities need to take these people to court and we will say this to all of them. Racism is a crime,” he further added.
Infantino will have FIFA establish a task force whose sole purpose will be to take action against the racist acts, while Vinicius will lead this team comprising of some other players.
This anti-racism team will deal with hate acts and will punish people doing these acts.
“I asked Vinicius to lead this group of players that will present stricter punishments against racism that will later be implemented by all football authorities around the world.”
“We need to hear the players and what they need to work in a safer environment. We are very serious about it.
“We will implement very blunt and strong punishments to end once and for all with the problem of racism in football. We can’t tolerate racism anymore. As president of FIFA, I feel I needed to talk personally with Vinicius about it.”
When Vinicius was supported by the Chief himself and from all over the world, La Liga and other football authorities were under great pressure. Many are looking forward to seeing what these authorities will do to take action against racial acts.
Infantino, in his interview, made it clear that he wants to get rid of this discriminatory behavior in not only football but also political personnel who should take proper steps to tackle this in every country.
“Unfortunately, racism is not a problem that exists only in Spain. It exists in many, many other countries. That is why we need to take collective measures to fight against it all over the world,” Infantino said.
“We need the governments to understand that they need to educate children in school (about racism) because it’s a social problem, but it’s a football problem too.
“We need to stop the games, apply disciplinary and competitive measures and all of it needs to be coordinated with local authorities and governments.
“An act of racism is a criminal act… From now on, FIFA will take legal action with local authorities too, we will join complaints filed in local justice.
“It’s impossible to tolerate it anymore. We need help and support from the authorities because the racists need to be identified, detained, and banned for life from any stadium in the world.
“And it’s not only in stadiums, in social media too. It’s also very serious and needs the same punishment.”
