Football rulers need to introduce more serious sanctions for those found guilty of discrimination – otherwise nothing will change
Gianni Infantino comes under fire from Ukraine (Image: Getty Images)
It is a cancer for which no one in the soccer world has yet found a cure. Many people seem to have opinions about racism, but when will someone do something to stop it?
Fortunately, this is 2026 and nothing changes. The most depressing aspect of what allegedly happened in Lisbon during the Champions League match between Benfica and Real Madrid is what Vinicius Junior said on social media.
The Brazilian player, who claims that Benfica’s Gianluca Prestiani used racist language towards him, said: “Racists are cowards above all, but they are protected by others who, in theory, are obliged to punish them. What happened in my life and in the life of the team is nothing new.”
Vinicius Jr. points to FIFA, UEFA and others for the depressing inability of football’s highest authorities to eliminate discrimination from the game.
UEFA has launched an investigation into the events in Lisbon. FIFA president Gianni Infantino said he was “shocked and saddened” by what allegedly happened.
No one knows why Infantino was “shocked.” This isn’t the racist’s first rodeo.
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read more: Gianni Infantino warns of UEFA’s public investigation into Vinicius Junior’s racism allegationsread more: US President Donald Trump challenges FIFA again, makes ‘dangerous’ World Cup pledge
And if Mr. Infantino is as “grieved” as he claims, why doesn’t he use his position of great power and influence to introduce penalties to deter future racism?
Because let’s be honest: fines, bans and stadium closures don’t work. Of course, discrimination is not limited to soccer.
It’s a social issue all over the world, and it’s reflected in the game. Infantino & Co. cannot control what happens outside of football.
But these sports organizations have the power to ensure that their sports hold racists accountable.
Appropriate sanctions should be introduced for those guilty of racism, including permanent bans, club relegation, and expulsion of teams from competitions and compulsory education courses.
If a player is found guilty of racist behavior, he should be fired. Perhaps then players will think twice about whether discrimination is acceptable.
Vinicius Junior was at the center of the shocking incident against Benfica (Image: Getty Images)
Benfica manager Jose Mourinho suggested after the match that Vinicius may have provoked a racist attack by celebrating his goal so enthusiastically.
Of all the business crimes he has committed over the years, this one will be the darkest.
Football is the most popular sport on the planet and has a huge responsibility in educating people about right from wrong. And the most prominent people in the sports world are considered to influence others in the right way.
What kind of example does this set for Mourinho? Mark Clattenburg may not be as well-known, but his IQ may be on the same level as Mourinho’s, considering what he says when commentating on match events.
Criticize Vinicius Jr. for what happened? Seriously. There should be no place for these people in the game.
UEFA are now under pressure to find out what happened and, if there is a case to answer, to punish them accordingly. And it must be said that UEFA’s track record in cracking down on racists is not the strongest.
We live in hope that the fight will continue. And so it will be. However, unless there is a change at the top, the situation will not change.
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