SOCCER
Brazil to play Spain as part of anti-racism campaign
The friendly match will take place next March.
Brazil will take on Spain in a friendly match at Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu stadium in March 2024 as part of an anti-racism campaign in support of Brazil international and Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior, Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales said.
Rubiales and Brazilian FA chief Ednaldo Rodrigues met in the Spanish capital to launch their joint movement to combat racism under the slogan “One skin”.
Worldwide campaign
“It is important to understand that harder punishment needs to be applied in cases of racism by the football authorities,” Rodrigues told a news conference.
“Fines are not enough. The clubs need to be held accountable too. CBF was the first football federation to adopt harder sanctions for cases of racism, such as the deduction of points in league standings, closure of stands or the lifetime expulsion of club members.
“We need to lead a campaign worldwide to fight against this virus in football.”
Brazil play in Barcelona
Five-time world champions Brazil are currently in Europe for matches against Guinea in Barcelona on Saturday and Senegal in Lisbon three days later.
“There is no place for racist insults in our football,” Rubiales said.
“We have a problem with racism and have to fight.”