Vini Jr law passed in Rio de Janeiro: what s the new anti-racism protocol in Brazil?
Real Madrid Vinicius Junior was racially abused in Valencia’s Mestalla stadium last season and has become a spokesperson for greater action.
The local government in Rio de Janeiro has passed a new anti-racism law named after Real Madrid and Brazil forward Vinicius Junior.
Officials passed the new law on Wednesday, which will see sporting events stopped or suspended when racist abuse is reported in the crowd. Vinicius has become a visible symbol of anti-racism efforts after he was subject to widespread abuse from Valencia fans last season.
Reports in Rio’s local media said that the law was inspired by the 22-year-old’s response to the incident in Mestalla. The game was briefly halted after Vinicius sought to identify the perpetrators in the crowd, but the referee allowed the game to continue.
What is the ‘Vini Jr law’?
The legislation was actually approved by the Rio de Janeiro government in June but the decision to name it after Vinicius, who was born in the state, is a new announcement.
Building on the courage shown by Vinicius in the infamous Mestalla fixture the law seeks to formalise the response to in-stadium racism. This includes protocol on how racism complaints are processed and mandatory educational campaigns. The incident at Mestalla was the tenth time that racism against Vinicius Jr had been reported in 2022/23.
Rafael Picciani, Rio’s secretary for sports, applauded the legislature’s decision to pay tribute to “an idol of Brazilian football, born and raised in Rio de Janeiro”.
“In addition to all his football career achievements, Vinicius has also become a symbol of the fight against racism,” he added.
Vinicius honoured in Maracana ceremony
To announce the law’s name, a ceremony was held in Vinicius’ honour at the Maracana, Brazil’s national football stadium.
“Today is a very special day and I hope my family is very proud,” said Vinicius, at the stadium where he made his professional debut for Flamengo back in 2017.
“I am very young and I didn’t expect that I would be receiving this tribute.”
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“Sometimes I wonder if I deserve so much,” he continued. “I didn’t expect so many awards and to receive all this affection at the Maracana, where I attended and played so many Flamengo matches.”
Vinicius has also been asked to lead a FIFA anti-racism committee, to be comprised of players. The Brazilian national team will play a friendly against Spain in Real Madrid’s Bernabeu stadium next March in a bid to further increase awareness of the issue.