Spain should lose 2030 World Cup unless racism reduces says Vinicius

The Real Madrid player, who has faced repeated instances of racist abuse from rival fans during LaLiga matches, expressed during a CNN interview on Tuesday that there is a pressing need for societal change in Spain.

"With the time remaining until 2030, there is ample opportunity for improvement, and I hope that Spain can progress and recognize the severity of insulting someone based on their skin color," Vinicius stated.

"If conditions do not improve by 2030, I believe we must reconsider the venue, as it becomes challenging for a player to feel comfortable and secure in a country where they may encounter racism."

His remarks sparked significant controversy in Spain, which is set to co-host the 2030 World Cup alongside Morocco, with additional matches scheduled in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

"Spain is not a racist country in any sense," asserted Vinicius' Real Madrid teammate Dani Carvajal during a press conference on Wednesday, emphasizing that Spain "should not be deprived of the World Cup."

"I understand the challenges Vinicius faces, but LaLiga is making strides, and protocols are being established to ensure that such individuals are barred from participating in sporting events," the defender remarked.

Luis de la Fuente, the coach of the Spanish national team, echoed Carvajal's sentiments.

"While there are always undesirable elements, Spain is not a racist nation; it serves as a model of coexistence and integration," he stated.

Madrid's conservative mayor, Jose Luis Martinez-Almeida, criticized Vinicius' statements as "deeply unfair" and called for an apology.

In June, a Spanish court sentenced three Valencia fans to eight months in prison for racist abuse directed at Vinicius during a LaLiga match last year, marking the first conviction of its kind in Spain.

Additionally, in July, another individual received an eight-month suspended prison sentence for online racist abuse aimed at Vinicius and his German Real Madrid teammate, Antonio Rudiger.