LaLiga VS Racism: A beacon of hope for African players and beyond

How the Spanish top division the LALIGA EA Sports is helping Africans and others who faced racism to fight the monster.

Football is more than just a sport, it’s a universal language that transcends borders, unites communities, and inspires millions.

Yet, for far too long, the beautiful game has been marred by the ugly specter of racism, particularly against African players who bring so much talent and vibrancy to the pitch.

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In an exclusive Zoom call with Pulse Sports Nigeria and other reputable organisations, LaLiga Africa Managing Director Tresor Penku and LaLiga Global Brand Director Angel Fernandez opened up about the league’s unwavering commitment to combating racism, with a special focus on protecting and empowering African players in Spain and beyond.

A Commitment Beyond the Pitch

For LaLiga, the fight against racism isn’t just a slogan, it’s a mission etched into the league’s DNA. Tresor Penku, the dynamic head of LaLiga’s African operations, emphasised this during the conversation.

“LaLiga firmly believes that football is more than just a game; it is a powerful force of social change,” he said.

“As one of the most influential leagues in the world, we recognise our responsibility to set a standard for inclusivity, respect, and diversity, not only in stadiums but also across society.”

This ethos drives LaLiga VS Racism, a comprehensive initiative that goes beyond mere optics. Over the decades, LaLiga and its clubs have launched more than 700 programs aimed at tackling hate speech, discrimination, and violence in football.

The results speak for themselves. In June 2024, LaLiga made history when three individuals were sentenced for racially abusing a player in a Spanish stadium, the first conviction of its kind in the country.

This landmark ruling sent a clear message: racism has no place in football or society.

For African players, who have often borne the brunt of such abuse, this is more than a symbolic victory, it’s a step toward justice.

Penku highlighted Africa’s vital role in LaLiga’s vision, noting, “This is the continent that has given so much to global football, and we are deeply committed to developing talents and communities.”

From grassroots programs in South Africa and Nigeria to nurturing young stars, LaLiga is ensuring that football remains a platform for unity and progress, especially for the next generation of African talent.

Taking Racism to Court

While awareness campaigns and education are crucial, LaLiga isn’t stopping there. Angel Fernandez, the league’s Global Brand Director, detailed the concrete steps being taken to protect players - particularly Africans - who face racism in Spain.

“Something we’ve been doing for the last 10 years is go directly to the courts,” he explained. “If we see this kind of attitude in stadiums, the first thing is to fight for them.”

LaLiga leverages an arsenal of tools to build ironclad cases: match cameras trained on the crowd, detailed evidence collection, and even QR codes placed at every seat in stadiums, empowering fans to report incidents instantly.

This proactive approach paid off in the high-profile case of Vinicius Jr., the Brazilian star of Real Madrid whose African heritage has made him a frequent target of abuse.

Thanks to LaLiga’s relentless legal efforts, convictions were secured, a rare and powerful win against the impunity that has long shielded racists.

Fernandez stressed the significance of this strategy: “The feeling of impunity is about giving the appropriate tools to the clubs and the crowd. We try to provide all the evidence, like match production itself, so we can go to the courts and fight this.”

It’s a blueprint that not only protects players but also sets a precedent for accountability.

Breaking the Cycle of Impunity

Racism thrives in environments where perpetrators feel untouchable, a challenge Fernandez acknowledged candidly.

“The main problem here is that we don’t have the legal capability to punish racists or the clubs directly,” he admitted.

To bridge this gap, LaLiga has forged strategic partnerships, including a deal with Spain’s Ministry of Immigration, to develop more robust mechanisms for tackling discriminatory behaviour.

Since last season, the introduction of QR codes has been a game-changer. “If you see an action that’s not appropriate, it gives power to the fans,” Fernandez said.

Clubs, too, face penalties for failing to curb racist chants, though the league continues to push for stronger legal authority to act decisively.

This multi-pronged approach, combining technology, collaboration, and consequences, aims to dismantle the culture of impunity brick by brick.

Africa at the Heart of LaLiga’s Future

For Penku, the connection between LaLiga and Africa is personal and profound. The continent’s contributions to football are undeniable, think of legends like Samuel Eto’o, Yaya Touré, and modern stars like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Umar Sadiq, Chrisantus Uche, yet African players often face disproportionate hostility.

LaLiga’s efforts to combat racism are, in many ways, a tribute to their resilience and brilliance.

Through grassroots initiatives, LaLiga is planting seeds of hope. In Nigeria and South Africa, young children are being given opportunities to play, dream, and grow in an environment that celebrates their potential rather than their differences.

“Football remains a platform for unity and progress,” Penku affirmed, and LaLiga is determined to keep it that way.

A Fight Worth Watching

LaLiga VS Racism isn’t just a campaign—it’s a movement with global reverberations. For African players in Spain, it’s a lifeline, offering protection, justice, and a louder voice against hate.

From the courtroom to the terraces, LaLiga is proving that football can be a force for good, challenging the status quo and inspiring change far beyond the 90 minutes of a match.

As Tresor Penku and Angel Fernandez made clear, this is a battle LaLiga intends to win, not just for the players, but for the soul of the sport itself. For Africans in football, and for fans everywhere, that’s a goal worth cheering for.