Their campaign coincides with the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which is celebrated annually on 21 March. Through these events, LaLiga and EA Sports have challenged society to reflect on their role in building an inclusive society through the power of football. They aim to demonstrate sport's powerful role in promoting social equality.
Jorge de la Vega, executive director of LaLiga, said: “Racism has no place in football or our society. At LaLiga, we continue working year after year to eradicate all forms of hatred, promoting values of respect, diversity, and inclusion. Sport should be a reflection of unity and coexistence among cultures.”
For the fourth year running, LaLiga has a project LaLiga VS, in action around the country. Together with its clubs, LaLiga, the largest football ecosystem in the world, have worked towards eradicating hate inside and outside of football.
It has promoted a respectful and inclusive society in all aspects. Through its various platforms, it set out to inspire and raise awareness among fans through the values of football, working together to build a game and a society free from hate.
Thanks to their efforts over time, LaLiga’s players of different races and nationalities from all over the world coexist on the pitch, showcasing how diversity is one of the greatest strengths in sport.
Since the 2015/2016 season, LaLiga has reported cases of violence and abuse occurring inside and outside stadiums to the State Commission against Violence, Racism, Xenophobia and Intolerance in Sport, as well as to the RFEF's Competition Committee.
Thanks to LaLiga’s action, there have been recent cases of criminal consequences for racist behaviour.
In June 2024, three individuals accused of racially abusing Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr in a match were handed an eight-month prison sentence, a two-year ban from entering a stadium and ordered to pay the costs of the proceedings because of a complaint filed directly by LaLiga.
In September 2024, a ruling went against an individual accused of racially insulting Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr, and Villarreal CF’s Samuel Chukwueze in matches. The sentences included six months in prison per offence and an 18-month stadium ban.
Last month, LaLiga received notification of the sentence against a fan who directed racist abuse at Cádiz CF’s Carlos Akapo during a match. The individual in question received a one-year prison sentence and a 14-month stadium ban.
These convictions were handed down in Spain for racist abuse at football matches, and have deterred would-be offenders.