Demand football clubs to boycott Santiago Bernabéu Stadium


Demand football clubs to boycott Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
The Issue
I love football, and I cherish democratic values even more. It baffles me to see significant matches of "La Liga" and "UEFA Champions League" being played in a stadium named after Santiago Bernabéu, a known Francoist militarist and supporter of the Spanish Fascist regime. It's time we stop whitewashing a European fascist regime!
Santiago Bernabéu, after whom the stadium is named, was more than just a sports figure; he was an active supporter of Francisco Franco's authoritarian rule, a regime known for its oppression, brutal censorship, and human rights abuses throughout Spain. Honoring his legacy by playing major football matches in a stadium bearing his name inadvertently glorifies a dark chapter in European history.
Today, we face the urgent responsibility to stand against all forms of totalitarianism and fascism—not only remembering the atrocities of the past but actively ensuring they aren't celebrated in contemporary times. Allowing matches to be hosted in a venue named in honor of someone associated with such ideologies contradicts the essence of sportsmanship and fair play that football claims to uphold.
Boycotting Santiago Bernabéu Stadium (Real Madrid CF Stadium) would send a powerful message across the globe, proclaiming our collective rejection of fascism and dedication to democratic values. We urge football associations and clubs to take a stand, reevaluate their venue choices, and commit to promoting venues that reflect the inclusive and democratic spirit they represent.
We cannot erase our history, but we can choose to learn from it to build a better future. Sports have the potential to inspire unity, peace, and progress. It's imperative that we align the locations of these prestigious events with the ideals we wish to propagate.
Let's push for ethical choices in the world of sports. Sign this petition to demand that football clubs and associations reconsider their venue agreements and stop playing games at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium until it is renamed to honor a figure who represents unity, fairness, and democratic principles. Together, we can make a difference!

1
The Issue
I love football, and I cherish democratic values even more. It baffles me to see significant matches of "La Liga" and "UEFA Champions League" being played in a stadium named after Santiago Bernabéu, a known Francoist militarist and supporter of the Spanish Fascist regime. It's time we stop whitewashing a European fascist regime!
Santiago Bernabéu, after whom the stadium is named, was more than just a sports figure; he was an active supporter of Francisco Franco's authoritarian rule, a regime known for its oppression, brutal censorship, and human rights abuses throughout Spain. Honoring his legacy by playing major football matches in a stadium bearing his name inadvertently glorifies a dark chapter in European history.
Today, we face the urgent responsibility to stand against all forms of totalitarianism and fascism—not only remembering the atrocities of the past but actively ensuring they aren't celebrated in contemporary times. Allowing matches to be hosted in a venue named in honor of someone associated with such ideologies contradicts the essence of sportsmanship and fair play that football claims to uphold.
Boycotting Santiago Bernabéu Stadium (Real Madrid CF Stadium) would send a powerful message across the globe, proclaiming our collective rejection of fascism and dedication to democratic values. We urge football associations and clubs to take a stand, reevaluate their venue choices, and commit to promoting venues that reflect the inclusive and democratic spirit they represent.
We cannot erase our history, but we can choose to learn from it to build a better future. Sports have the potential to inspire unity, peace, and progress. It's imperative that we align the locations of these prestigious events with the ideals we wish to propagate.
Let's push for ethical choices in the world of sports. Sign this petition to demand that football clubs and associations reconsider their venue agreements and stop playing games at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium until it is renamed to honor a figure who represents unity, fairness, and democratic principles. Together, we can make a difference!

1
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Petition created on 2 June 2025