Javier Tebas gets 'wet' about Vinicius' controversial statements about racism in Spain

The case of Vinicius Jr. continues to dominate the headlines of the international press. The Brazilian forward, who has been portrayed as a flagbearer in the fight against racism in Spanish football due to being one of the players who has experienced highly visible cases of discrimination, recently made a statement that left many in Spain perplexed.

Real Madrid's 'number 7' did not hesitate to assert, in front of the cameras of a globally influential television network like 'CNN', expressing his expectations: "Until 2030, we have a significant margin for change. I hope that Spain can evolve and understand how serious it is to insult someone based on their skin color, because if things have not changed by 2030 (in Spain), I believe we should change the World Cup venue, because if a player does not feel comfortable or safe playing in a country where they may face racism, then everything becomes very complicated."

Context. For those willing to understand and appreciate what Vinicius Jr actually said.@cnnsport@SportsguyZayn pic.twitter.com/MoJgVYQk9z

— Darren Lewis (@MirrorDarren) September 4, 2024

These statements have sparked a wave of reactions, questioning the words of the native of São Gonçalo. The vast majority, if not all, are aimed not at rejecting the fight against racism, but rather at the generalization that Spanish society is racist and the consequences this entails. This assertion has been poorly received in various sectors that undoubtedly offered their support and solidarity in the past when he himself experienced unfortunate episodes of racial discrimination.

Javier Tebas's opinion on Vinicius's harsh accusation against Spain

In this context, following these statements, a voice that had not yet spoken out on the matter has emerged: Javier Tebas, President of LaLiga. The head of the league took advantage of an interview with the EFE Agency in Beijing, where he was finalizing an agreement with China Media Group to broadcast LaLiga openly in that country, with the aim of expanding the Spanish competition's coverage in the Asian territory.

"I believe that, upon examination, his statements were not entirely consistent with what he himself said in the interview. While he was suggesting that perhaps the World Cup should not be considered, he was also saying that Spain is not a racist country," Tebas began by commenting on the testimony given by 'Vini Jr'.

To conclude, Tebas emphasized that the Spanish nation does not have a racist attitude. "Let's set aside what is inconsistent and focus on what is consistent: that Spain is not a racist country, and in that regard, I agree with Vinicius," concluded the LaLiga president.