FIFA took a significant step in the ongoing battle against racism in football as the organization announced the establishment of an anti-racism taskforce.
The taskforce, which was unveiled by FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Thursday, will feature Real Madrid’s talented winger, Vinicius Junior, as a prominent member.
Infantino met with Ednaldo Rodrigues, the president of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), during his visit to Barcelona ahead of Brazil’s friendly match against Guinea on Saturday.
It was during this meeting that the FIFA president emphasized the need for decisive action when confronting acts of racism and discrimination on the pitch.
Infantino stressed the importance of referees intervening and stopping the game whenever incidents of racism occur, regardless of the level of competition. He firmly stated that if racism is present, football cannot exist, and the message against racism must be visible and strong.
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The decision to include Vinicius Junior in the taskforce comes in the wake of an appalling incident in May, when the young Brazilian player was subjected to racial abuse by Valencia supporters.
The incident caused widespread outrage and drew attention to the urgent need for stronger measures against racism in football.
Last week, the Spanish authorities took action against the guilty supporters, issuing stadium bans and fines as a response to their abusive behavior towards Vinicius.
This serves as a reminder that tackling racism requires collective efforts from football organizations, clubs, and authorities.
With the formation of the anti-racism taskforce, FIFA aims to combat racism more effectively and send a powerful message that discrimination has no place in football.
The inclusion of Vinicius Junior, a player who has experienced racism firsthand, highlights the importance of addressing this issue at every level of the game.
