Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva wants that soccer clubs and national teams of racist countries stop participating in world competitions, and that clubs receive punishment.
The request was expressed in a letter to the President of the international soccer federation FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association), Joseph Blatter, and explained this Wednesday, March 8, in a special edition of President Lula’s radio program "Breakfast with the President".
In the letter, Lula said that requested severe measures from FIFA, and explained that he decided to write it after watching on TV scenes of racial prejudice, by fans of European clubs, against Brazilian players. "I’ve already seen it happen against Roberto Carlos, in Spain, and against Heitor".
Racial discrimination and soccer are opposite concepts, in the President’s viewpoint. For him, the former is hateful, while the latter means peace and happiness.
"We need to go there to show our best, our happiness, to cheer, play, and respect the athlete who is the artist playing the game."
Lula emphasized that disrespect cannot be part of the game. "The person who pays for the ticket to the game has the right to boo and to celebrate.
"But has no right to express his prejudice, neither in a soccer stadium, nor in a theater, on the streets, or at home. Prejudice is an illness that we need to treat very rigorously in order to eliminate it, once and for all, from the world."
Agência Brasil
Show Comments (5)
Christophe Bauer
I want the racist Lula banned from international politics.
Resign Now
Lula is a racist
Lula was a closet racist. He showed his true colors today.
REAL
RACISM IS MY RIGHT
Fuck Lula, and Fuck all you Nigger Lovers. Brazilian Niggers are OK. But US Niggers and US Whites are worthless, White people in the US and Europe hand there white daughters to every Emmigrant to do as they will with, so they dont fell like raciest, you pawn your children so that you can be excepted. RACISM IS A FORM OF FREE SPEACH.
Guest
SAY NO TO RACISM & DISCRIMINATION
Fair statement and totally right but long overdue.
Respect and tolerance is the correct way forward.
Guest
Viva Lula
Viva Lula, Viva Brazil