Brazil's Chamber of Deputies approved on Tuesday a blacklist for sports entities convicted of racism. The measure punishes clubs for acts by fans, athletes or officials and heads to the Senate. Listed entities lose public contracts and tax benefits for two years.
Brazil's Chamber of Deputies gave symbolic approval on Tuesday (24) to a bill creating the Sports Racism Blacklist. Originally authored by Deputy Bandeira de Mello (PSB-RJ), the text was expanded by rapporteur Deputy Laura Carneiro (PSD-RJ) in the Sports Commission to cover all sports practice entities, not just soccer. It now awaits Senate review. Entities convicted for racist acts by fans, athletes, technical staff or officials at sports events will be listed after a final court ruling. The listing lasts two years, unless early removal is proven through anti-racism actions. While listed, clubs cannot sign public contracts or receive sponsorships or tax benefits, akin to the slave labor blacklist. Lawmakers cited racism cases against Real Madrid striker Vinicius Junior, who has filed over 20 lawsuits in Spanish courts, with two convictions. In February, during Benfica vs. Real Madrid, Argentine player Gianluca Prestianni was accused of racist insults, halting the match for ten minutes; he was provisionally suspended by Uefa. Debate arose over punishing teams for fans' acts. Deputy Luiz Lima (Novo-RJ) asked: “Is one fan enough to punish an entire team with over 500 employees?”. Deputy Alice Portugal (PCdoB-BA), floor rapporteur, responded: “This is the educational nature of the bill; fans must ensure their club stays off such a list”. The provision passed 295-120, with PL, Novo and Missão parties voting against.