La Liga and EA Sports launch powerful ‘VS RACISM’ campaign

LALIGA, in collaboration with EA SPORTS FC, has kicked off the fourth edition of its VS RACISM campaign to mark International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on March 21. This initiative uses the universal language of football and urban art to break barriers, foster dialogue, and promote respect across cultures.

Renowned urban artist SUSO33 has brought his masterpiece, Melting Pot of Cultures, to life for this campaign. His artwork embodies the power of football and art in transcending borders and embracing diversity.

The Evolution of VS RACISM

Building on previous campaigns—Unity VS Racism, Together VS Racism, and #1voiceVSRACISM—this year’s edition continues to push boundaries. The campaign integrates a special anthem, first introduced last year, and highlights how football can create a lasting impact on society.

“Racism has no place in football or our society,” stated Jorge de la Vega, Executive Director of LALIGA. “At LALIGA, we work year after year to eradicate hatred, promoting values of respect, diversity, and inclusion. Sport should be a reflection of unity and coexistence among cultures.”

How the campaign takes action

This year’s campaign is a full-scale initiative featuring multiple efforts to amplify its message across the football community:

1. Special-edition jerseys in real and virtual stadiums

LALIGA players will wear commemorative jerseys on matchday 28 in La Liga EA Sports and matchday 31 in La Liga Hypermotion. Fans can also unlock this exclusive jersey in EA SPORTS FC 25 from March 21. Reinforcing the commitment to diversity and inclusion within the gaming world.

2. Stadiums Amplifying the Message

Throughout the campaign, LALIGA stadiums will feature powerful visuals promoting the fight against racism. LED boards, advertising displays, captain’s armbands, and video scoreboards will showcase the initiative, uniting players, clubs, and fans in a common goal.

3. PUMA’s special-edition match ball

On Matchday 29 (LALIGA EA SPORTS), Matchday 33 (LALIGA HYPERMOTION), and Matchday 24 (Liga F). PUMA will introduce a specially designed match ball inspired by SUSO33’s artwork. This collaboration turns the ball into a symbol of diversity and resistance against racism.

Fighting racism in football: Legal wins

Since 2015, LALIGA has been taking a proactive legal stance against racism. The league reports incidents to the State Commission against Violence, Racism, Xenophobia, and Intolerance in Sport, as well as the RFEF’s Competition Committee. Their efforts have led to ground breaking legal victories:

June 2024: Three individuals received eight-month prison sentences and two-year stadium bans for racially abusing Vinicius Jr.
September 2024: A fan received six-month prison sentences per offense for racial abuse directed at Vinicius Jr. and Samuel Chukwueze.
February 2025: A supporter who racially abused Carlos Akapo was sentenced to one year in prison and a 14-month stadium ban.

These rulings set a historic legal precedent for tackling racism in football.

LALIGA also fights racism through its M.O.O.D. (Monitor for the Observation of Hate in Sport) system. This tool monitors online hate speech, ensuring that discrimination has no place in sports conversations. In June 2024, LALIGA partnered with the Spanish Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration to further strengthen anti-racism efforts through online and offline initiatives.

Stay tuned with The South African as La Liga and EA Sports tackle racism in Spain.

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