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Broadcaster Rafael van der Vaart is apologizing after causing controversy with an offensive comment about Team Japan at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“It was never my intention to offend, hurt or discriminate against anyone. I oppose racism in all its forms and have respect for people of every background, ethnicity and culture,” van der Vaart said in a statement obtained by People on Thursday, June 18.
He continued, “I understand that some people may have found my words offensive or hurtful. I sincerely regret that. If my comment has caused pain or upset, I would like to offer my heartfelt apologies. That was never my intention.”
Van der Vaart said he takes “the reactions that have followed seriously” and “understands that words can be interpreted in different ways.”
“That is why I feel it is important to make clear that there was absolutely no racist or discriminatory intent behind my remark,” the statement read. “I hope this statement provides greater clarity regarding my intentions and the context in which the comment was made.”
Van der Vaart was working as a broadcaster for Dutch network NOS TV on Sunday, June 14, during the matchup between Netherlands and Japan, which ended in a 2-2 draw. The Athletic reported that van der Vaart commented about Japan’s players’ appearance while debating a goal that the team made — and how Netherlands’ Micky van de Ven was defending the corner.
“He loses him completely,” he said. “You can see him moving around. If you are the one marking him, then you are responsible for your man. Look, he’s completely unmarked. Van de Ven is nowhere to be seen. He is completely free to make that header.”
Referring to Japan’s players, Van der Vaart later added: “They do all look alike, of course. Perhaps he thought that.”
The outlet reported that van der Vaart’s comment created a silence in the studio before the broadcaster clarified his remark.
“That’s a joke, of course,” he said. “I’m scared to say anything at all.”
In a joint statement to The Athletic, Kick It Out and the Frank Soo Foundation weighed in on the comment.
“It’s hugely disappointing to hear former players peddling racist slurs about Japan’s team and then double down by trying to defend the comments as a joke,” the statement read. “Even if he claims there was no racist intent in what he said, the comments can still have an impact on those involved, and the wider East and Southeast Asian community, as we have seen with previous examples directed towards players.
The statement continued, “The World Cup attracts massive global TV audiences, so it’s always important that guests are careful with their language and that broadcasters take responsibility for those appearing on their shows, whether that is through additional education or training.”
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