Broadcaster Rafael van der Vaart apologized after controversy over an offensive remark about Japan’s team during the 2026 FIFA World Cup matchup between the Netherlands and Japan that ended 2-2. He said he never intended to offend, hurt, or discriminate, while
Rafael van der Vaart didn’t go into the studio with the intention to cause harm. But after he made an offensive comment about Team Japan during coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the fallout hit fast—silence in the room, immediate pushback, and then an apology on Thursday, June 18.
“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 took “the reactions that have followed seriously” and “understands that words can be interpreted in different ways.” He also added: “That is why I feel it is important to make clear that there was absolutely no racist or discriminatory intent behind my remark. ” and said he hoped the statement would provide “greater clarity regarding my intentions and the context in which the comment was made.”.
The controversy traces back to Sunday. June 14. when van der Vaart was working as a broadcaster for Dutch network NOS TV during the matchup between Netherlands and Japan. The game ended in a 2-2 draw. As the debate shifted around a goal Japan made—and specifically how Netherlands’ Micky van de Ven was defending the corner—van der Vaart made remarks about the appearance of Japan’s players.
He said: “It was never my intention…” isn’t what he said on air. but the comments did spark a tense moment in the studio before he clarified. The Athletic reported that van der Vaart commented about Japan’s players’ appearance while debating the goal. including: “He loses him completely. 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 his comment created a silence in the studio before he clarified. After that moment, van der Vaart said: “That’s a joke, of course. I’m scared to say anything at all.”.
While van der Vaart framed the exchange as a joke, two organizations pushed back hard. In a joint statement to The Athletic, Kick It Out and the Frank Soo Foundation addressed the criticism and the attempt to dismiss it.
“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.”
Between the apology and the criticism. the same question hangs in the air: whether the comment was meant as harmless humor—or whether it landed as something uglier. Van der Vaart insisted it wasn’t about racism and said he regrets any pain or upset. Kick It Out and the Frank Soo Foundation said intention doesn’t erase impact. especially in front of massive global audiences.
Rafael van der Vaart NOS TV Netherlands vs Japan 2026 FIFA World Cup Japan team offensive comment apology racism Kick It Out Frank Soo Foundation Micky van de Ven Micky van de Ven defending
“Apologized” yeah sure. He should’ve just not said it.
I didn’t even know he said something about Japan until I saw a clip. If it was during the game coverage, how did nobody stop him right there? Also the article says it was interpreted different ways… like ok but why even say it.
Wait so he apologized AFTER the 2-2 draw? I thought he apologized before the game lol. Racism is racism though, “no intent” doesn’t always fix it. I feel like these broadcasters say sorry and then go back on TV next week.
Honestly I don’t even follow soccer like that, but every time I hear about stuff like this it’s always “words can be interpreted.” Like yeah because what he said was weird. Also I’m confused—was it about a goal or about Micky van de Ven? The ending got cut off in my feed.