The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) represents over 18 million workers across our continent. For us, racism in football is not separate from racism in the workplace. It is the same prejudice that denies dignity, equality, and opportunity. When Black athletes are targeted in stadiums, young people watching around the world absorb dangerous messages.

Football is a global language and unifying sport. Its stars are role models. Their platforms influence millions. That is why football must lead in promoting tolerance, respect, and human dignity — not become a theatre for hatred.

We call on UEFA and FIFA to move beyond symbolic gestures and take stronger, consistent action to rid football of the cancer of racism. Zero tolerance must mean zero tolerance.

African workers stand firmly against racism — against all races, but especially against the persistent anti-Black racism that continues to wound our communities globally. The fight for dignity in the stadium is inseparable from the fight for dignity at work.

Silence is not an option. Respect is non-negotiable. We stand with Vinícius Júnior and urge him to continue to “dance”, and to continue to use his feet and voice to speak out against racism. No person of any race should be shamed on account of his or her skin colour. Stop racism NOW!

Issued from Lome, Togo on the 3rd of March 2026

Akhator Joel ODIGIE
General Secretary, ITUC-AFRICA.