Ex-Netherlands footballer Van der Vaart apologises for offensive remark about Japan players

Former Netherlands footballer Rafael van der Vaart has issued a formal apology after facing backlash for his offensive remark about Japan players during the FIFA World Cup 2026. "I understand that some people found my words hurtful. I sincerely regret that...That was never my intention," the 43-year-old said. Vaart had suggested that the Japanese players all "looked alike".