The multiplication of cases of racism in football led to the topic being part of the last FIFA congress in Thailand. Although without defining very specific measures, he did indicate that they will seek to apply “severe” sanctions to these acts and proposed that players adopt the gesture of making an X with their hands to report this type of situation.
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The idea of the governing body of football is that this gesture becomes universal and serves to generate more complaints. Likewise, it would allow progress to be made in having a single approach and not depending on each referee or federation to act when these events occur.
This is part of a FIFA plan based on 5 pillars: Rules and sanctions, actions on the field, criminal cases, education and the voice of the players. At the point of actions in the field is that he proposed the gesture of making the X
The gesture of hands crossed forming one was performed on the podium at the Tokyo Olympics by American athlete Raven Saunders, winner of the silver medal in shot put. As the athlete, black and LGBTQ, explained at that time, the gesture means “the intersection where all oppressed people meet.”
All FIFA Member Associations are united in the global stand against racism outlined at the 74th FIFA Congress in Bangkok. pic.twitter.com/vNYcxe6DXW
— FIFA (@FIFAcom) May 17, 2024
One of the main activists to end racism in sport is Vinicius. The Real Madrid forward was the target of this type of attacks on several occasions in LaLiga.
The Brazilian recently burst into tears when remembering that fight against discrimination at a press conference. And with the aim of raising awareness about this situation, he held a friendly between Spain and Brazil at the Santiago Bernabéu in March.
Remembering Zagallo
Sambafoot Series launched a new documentary about the football legend Zagallo. Known as ‘Velho Lobo‘ and as superstitious as it gets, Zagallo helped shape what Brazilian football is nowadays — as a player and as a coach.
Binge the first five episodes available on Sambafoot’s Youtube channel. Stay tuned for upcoming releases as we keep telling this legend’s life story.
