FIFA President Gianni Infantino has expressed his deep shock and outrage over the racist abuse directed at Barcelona player Alejandro Balde during the La Liga match between Barcelona and Getafe at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez.
Speaking to the Spanish daily Mundo Deportivo, Infantino condemned the incident, describing it as unacceptable and emphasizing that such behavior has no place in society or football.
“I am horrified by the racism that Balde suffered during his match against Getafe in La Liga. This kind of behavior must be eradicated completely,” Infantino said. He further called for unity in the fight against racism, stating, “We must come together and stand firmly against the scourge of racism and all forms of discrimination. No to racism in any form.”
The incident drew significant attention due to Barcelona’s left-back Alejandro Balde speaking out publicly about the abuse.
Through his social media channels, Balde shared his experience, denouncing the racist insults he endured from the stands during the match, which ended in a 1-1 draw. The player’s openness about the incident has fueled widespread calls for action to address racism in football.
Mundo Deportivo also highlighted the lack of response from La Liga authorities, noting the sharp contrast between FIFA’s strong condemnation and the Spanish league’s apparent inaction.
The publication underscored the urgency of addressing such issues to ensure that racism is met with a zero-tolerance policy at all levels of the sport.
Infantino’s statements serve as a reminder of the global commitment needed to combat racism in football. By standing in solidarity with affected players and taking decisive action, FIFA aims to send a clear message that discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated.
The incident involving Balde has once again brought the issue of racism in football to the forefront, sparking discussions about the responsibility of footballing organizations to protect players and fans from such harmful behavior.
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