Vinicius Jr.’s recent remarks have sparked significant controversy, not just in Spain but globally. The Real Madrid star expressed that if racism in Spain doesn’t improve, the 2030 World Cup should be moved to another location.
This statement has led to widespread backlash, with many organisations, including the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), the city council, the Madrid community, and Real Madrid itself, reacting strongly.
These groups have been working tirelessly to have the Santiago Bernabeu selected as the venue for the World Cup final, but Vinicius’ comments have caused considerable unrest.
One of the latest figures to respond is Jose Luis Martínez-Almeida, the mayor of Madrid. He called for Vinicius to immediately retract his statements, emphasizing that while it’s true that racism still exists in society, it’s unfair to label Spain, and particularly Madrid, as a racist society.
The mayor pointed out that such claims could jeopardise Madrid’s chances of hosting the 2030 World Cup.
“I hope that he immediately rectifies these statements,” he said as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
“We are all aware that there are still racist episodes in society and that we have to work very hard to eliminate these racist episodes, but it is deeply unfair to Spain and particularly to Madrid to say that we are a racist society, as Vinicius said yesterday.”
Urge to Vinicius from the Madrid mayor
Martinez-Almeida acknowledged Vinicius’ talent as a footballer but insisted that the Brazilian forward made a mistake with his comments.
He stressed that most of Spanish society stands with Vinicius in the fight against racism, but they cannot support him when he generalises the entire Spanish and Madrid community as racist.
“It jeopardizes the celebration of the 2030 World Cup here in Madrid and in Spain. I ask Vinicius to rectify this.
“He is an extraordinary football player, there is no doubt about that, but that does not mean that one cannot make mistakes and in this case, he has made one,” added Martinez-Almeida.
“Vinicius has the vast majority of Spanish society on his side to combat racism. What we cannot do is stand by his side when he calls practically the entire Spanish society and Madrid society racist.
“I cannot accept that. I cannot accept this statement that Vinicius makes,” the mayor of Madrid continues.
The mayor went on to describe Madrid as one of the most open, welcoming, and diverse cities in the world, where no one is judged based on their origin or destination.
He acknowledged that Vinicius has faced unfortunate incidents of racism, but argued that these experiences do not justify branding the entire society as racist or suggesting that the 2030 World Cup should be moved elsewhere.
“What Vinicius should highlight is that he lives in one of the most open, welcoming and diverse cities in the world. If there is one thing that characterises Madrid, it is that no one is asked where they come from or where they are going.
“Here, no one is excluded. The fact that he has had to endure certain regrettable episodes does not justify him labelling practically the entire Spanish society as racist or saying that the 2030 World Cup should not be held here,” he explained.
In conclusion, Martínez-Almeida urged Vinicius to retract his statement and apologise. He reassured Vinicius that he would have full support whenever he faces racist behaviour, but insisted that the broad generalisation of Spain as a racist country is incorrect.
The mayor expressed hope that Vinicius would recognise his mistake and rectify his remarks.
“In my opinion, what Vinicius has to do is rectify, apologise in this regard and know that when there is a racist episode he will have us all on his side.
“But he will not have us on his side when he says that we are all racist because that is not true and we have to fight it. I would tell Vinicius that it is okay because when someone makes a mistake what he has to do is rectify,” concludes Martinez-Almeida.