ABSTRACT
In this chapter, Sofia Neves, Joana Topa, Janete Borges, Estefania Silva, Ariana Correia and Mafalda Ferreira focus on racism in Portuguese football. After a brief socio-historical contextualisation of the country, a former coloniser of some African, Asian and South American territories, the chapter provides a concise overview of the national legal framework outlawing and punishing racism. Subsequently, the main results of the first national study on racism in Portuguese football are summarised and analysed. The analytical focus is on the characteristics and complex dynamics of the phenomenon. Using an intersectional approach, racist discrimination based on skin colour and ethnicity are discussed in conjunction with gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, and disability. Subsequently, selected preventive strategies, action plans and hands-on initiatives for combating racism in football are considered and critically evaluated. Although there are plenty of initiatives, the authors argue, that lack coordination and therefore remain rather ineffective. The final section of this chapter offers a set of valuable recommendations in order to improve the fight against racism and other forms of discrimination in Portuguese football.
