In recent years, global football has faced a growing and alarming challenge: racism. Anti-racism measures have been a priority for sports organizations, but many critics argue that the actions implemented so far have not been sufficiently effective. At the center of the debate is the new initiative from the FIFA, which has introduced a “no racism” gesture that promises to transform how the sport addresses incidents of racial abuse during matches.
The FIFA, throughout its history, has promoted a three-step process to deal with situations of racism, which includes pausing, interrupting, and ultimately abandoning the match. However, the effectiveness of this approach has been questioned, especially in leagues like the Spanish league, where many black players, such as Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior, have been subjected to constant racial abuse.
In response to this issue, the Spanish federation and La Liga introduced a new anti-racism protocol in the fall of 2024, which FIFA hopes will be adopted globally. This new step is a sign that authorities may finally be listening to the calls of prominent figures like Vinícius Júnior, who has not hesitated to demand drastic changes, including the withdrawal of hosting rights from Spain for the 2030 World Cup if the situation does not improve.
What exactly is FIFA’s “no racism” gesture? It is a signal that players and referees can use to indicate that they are being subjected to racial abuse. By crossing their arms at the wrists, players can draw the referee’s attention, while referees can use the gesture to inform the public about the situation of abuse. With this simple yet powerful action, FIFA hopes to implement its already established three-step approach more effectively and immediately, ensuring that referees do not hesitate to take action.
“With the gesture of crossing their arms, players can signal directly to the referee that they are facing racial abuse, thus initiating the anti-discrimination procedure,” FIFA explained in an announcement about the new policy. This approach aims to increase transparency and accountability, making it clear to all involved that racism will not be tolerated.
In practice, there have already been occasions when the gesture was successfully used. During the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, player Antonio Rudiger alerted the referee to racial abuse that was occurring, leading the official to signal the situation with the crossed gesture. This type of immediate response is crucial to ensure that racism is addressed appropriately and decisively.
The implementation of the “no racism” gesture was a unanimous decision by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and La Liga, which are committed to effectively combating racism. Vinícius Júnior, who has been an outspoken advocate against racism in football, recently expressed hope that such measures could finally make a difference. He highlighted the importance of the criminal conviction of three men who were arrested for racial abuse directed at him, stating that this represents a significant milestone in the fight against racism in Spain.
The issue of racism in football is not new, but the introduction of this gesture by FIFA and the response from La Liga could mark a turning point. While other leagues have yet to formally adopt the measure, FIFA has already begun using it in competitions such as the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. With increasing pressure and awareness on the issue, it is imperative that all clubs, leagues, and players unite in the fight against racism.
Football should be a space of inclusion and respect, and FIFA’s new policy is a significant step in that direction. As we move forward, the hope is that actions will not just be words, but will translate into real and lasting changes in the fight against racism in the sport. The future of football depends on our ability to confront this issue head-on and ensure that all players can compete in a safe and respectful environment.
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