Canary Islands Football Grapples With Rising Racism

Spanish football, especially in the Canary Islands, is increasingly worried about racist incidents that are damaging the spirit of the game. Local reports from Tenerife's football pitches show that many players, particularly those from migrant backgrounds, are vulnerable. This is happening in a region that is a key arrival point for irregular migration. The problem in the Canary Islands adds to high-profile cases that have made headlines in major European leagues, such as Omar El Hilali's complaints about xenophobic comments linked to migration, or the repeated racist insults directed at Vinicius Junior in Champions League matches, which have led to international action.

In Tenerife's lower-level leagues, the situation is just as concerning. Mbaye Senn, a Senegalese player for Atlético Victoria, was banned for four matches after reacting to insults about his origin. The footballer says these verbal attacks, which include references to his race and irregular migration status, happen regularly. Similarly, Bobou Dioumassy, a young Malian who has played for teams in northern Tenerife for five years, has reported constant threats and insults like "black piece of shit" or "go pick bananas," expressing his helplessness in these situations. Daniel González, coach of Florida CF, confirms how often these incidents occur, noting that his racialized players regularly suffer insults and threats from the stands, even when referees intervene.

In response to this, community groups have started projects to help people integrate. The Sansofé Campus, whose name means "welcome" in Amazigh, is a local initiative that began at the University of La Laguna (ULL). Coordinated by retired teacher Miguel Llorca, the campus was created to offer support and help migrants adapt, using football as a tool. Since it started, over 2,000 people, including minors from reception centers and the Las Raíces Camp, have taken part in its activities. The project has helped more than 35 young people join official teams, not only allowing them to play sports but also to learn Spanish and build support networks.

The Sansofé Campus receives support from the ULL and the Canary Islands CD Tenerife Foundation, which provides them with proper equipment and facilities. They have also expanded their sports offerings to include basketball and athletics, thanks to collaborations with organizations like CB Canarias and Club Atletismo Aguere. Despite its inclusive approach, the campus is not immune to racist incidents during its friendly matches. However, its own rules state that matches must be stopped or suspended, and that everyone involved should talk through problems together. This shows their strong stance against discriminatory attitudes.

The Technical Committee of Referees (CTA) has a protocol called "Effective Action." It defines verbal abuse, including repeated insults and discriminatory language, and outlines a step-by-step process: stopping the match with a warning to the public, temporarily suspending it with teams going to the changing rooms if the abuse continues, and permanently suspending it if the perpetrators are not removed or the incidents recur. At the Sansofé Campus, additional measures have been put in place, such as a scoring system that rewards fair play (three points for the result and three for fewer cards), and preventive talks are held in schools.

Lamin, a young Gambian who has been at the campus for two years and works as a translator, represents the hope of this project. He knows about the incidents reported in the news, and his stance is firm: "Some of us have suffered a lot to get here, and we are all equal. We are all people, and we should all have fun playing football. Where we come from should not be a problem for playing football." His message to his teammates is a call for perseverance: "Keep fighting. Football is beautiful, but sometimes it's not easy, especially for us. Don't give up, keep fighting, and one day we will all play together."