Luis de la Fuente says that Spain is “not racist” after Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior suggested the nation should be stripped of hosting the 2030 World Cup unless it improves its record on fighting racism.
Vinicius Jr, 24, has been a frequent target for racist abuse from opposition fans in stadiums and on social media platforms.
He told CNN earlier this week: “If by 2030 things don’t improve, I think we have to move the location, because if a player doesn’t feel comfortable and safe playing in a country where they can suffer racism, it’s a bit difficult.”
However, despite the abuse that the Brazil international has suffered at the hands of Spanish supporters, Spain manager De la Fuente refused to label the country racist.
The 63-year-old, who led his side to victory in the European Championship in Germany this year, said: “Quickly: Spain is not racist. Spain is an example of coexistence, respect, and integration.
“There is always an undesirable, of course. But I insist: Spain is not racist and is an example for many countries to look up to. With Morocco and Portugal, the World Cup will be a unique event.”
The 2030 edition of the FIFA tournament is due to be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco.
In March, Vinicius Jr broke down in tears during an emotional press conference as he said that racism was getting worse because perpetrators were going unpunished and he felt “less and less like playing football”.
In June, three people were sentenced to eight months in prison in Spain after being found guilty of racially abusing Vinicius Jr in May 2023 during a La Liga fixture at Valencia. That was the first conviction for racist insults in a football stadium in Spain.
Spain face Serbia in the Nations League on Thursday in their first game since winning the Euros in July.
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The night Vinicius Jr decided enough is enough – he now doubts his Real Madrid future
(Michael Regan – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
