Spain to host anti-racism friendly against Brazil in bid to change toxic culture

June 6 – With the scourge of racism once again infiltrating top-flight football, Brazil will play a friendly against Spain next March as part of an anti-racism campaign under the slogan ‘We are all alike’.

Spanish federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales and his CBF counterpart, Ednaldo Rodrigues, said they hope the match can “reinforce the commitment of both entities against violence in football and to intensify the already existing good relations” between the two countries. The venue in Spain is yet to be determined.

“This action, in collaboration with my friend Luis Rubiales, will be important to further reinforce the need to fight vehemently against racism in all corners of the planet,” Rodrigues added.

Repeated abuse against Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior has unleashed a heated debate in Spain about racism. The Brazilian has repeatedly been subjected to abuse since he went to play in Spain five years ago.

Vinícius said during last season that racism was normal in La Liga and claimed that “in Brazil, Spain is known as a country of racists.” Even Rubiales has publicly admitted that Spain has a problem with racism.

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