The first consequence was the partial closure of the Mestalla Stadium in Valencia for five matches, as well as the imposition of a fine of EUR 45,000 for Valencia CF by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). While we might argue over the harshness of these sanctions, the RFEF has undoubtedly raised the bar, compared to the level of sanctions previously imposed for racist offences.
For its part, the Spanish Football League, LaLiga, filed a complaint with the competent first instance criminal courts in Valencia, taking the matter to the criminal level. Just over a year after the events, this complaint has led to the first conviction for racial insults in a football stadium in Spain, as the First Instance Criminal Court Nº 10 of Valencia sentenced three fans who had racially insulted the player to eight months in prison in June 2024. The significance of this ruling derives from it setting a precedent for possible future cases of racist insults in or around football stadiums.
Finally, the events in Valencia in May 2023 have sparked a discussion about whether the rules and regulations against racism adequately protect athletes and others concerned. In particular, the effectiveness of the protocol against racism in football used by the RFEF and especially its application in practice have come under fire, as the game at Mestalla was not suspended due to the racist insults, only interrupted for a few minutes. While the protocol against racism was activated, no other concrete or significant action was taken during the game. The lack of conclusive response during the game, as well as the fact that the protocol dates back to 2005, have raised the question of whether the protocol is in need of an update. Recently, such updates have been made, e.g. in form of the inclusion of the “no racism gesture” (crossing flat hands at the wrist). This gesture is to be used not only by the referee but also by players and coaches when they witness racist behaviour, triggering the next steps established in the protocol against racism.
The protocol is also consistent with the three-step anti-discrimination procedure set out by FIFA. Now it will be important to make sure that these rules are applied strictly and correctly in practice.