FIFA could investigate Mexico over anti-gay chant at World Cup
The Mexican Soccer Federation could face further disciplinary action after the controversial chant was allegedly heard during two World Cup games.
Mexico’s 2026 World Cup campaign ended with its Round of 16 defeat to England, but the country’s soccer federation could still face scrutiny from FIFA.
According to a report by Politico, the Fare Network, an anti-discrimination organization that works with FIFA, submitted several reports concerning discriminatory incidents involving Mexican supporters during the tournament.
FIFA considering investigation into Mexican fans’ chants
The evidence could prompt FIFA to open a formal investigation into the Mexican Soccer Federation, potentially resulting in disciplinary action.
The reported incidents involve the anti-gay goalkeeper chant that has followed Mexico’s national team for years. The chant was allegedly heard during Mexico’s group-stage game against Czechia and its Round of 16 loss to England at the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Usually shouted by sections of the crowd when the opposing goalkeeper takes a goal kick, the Spanish-language slur has repeatedly resulted in fines and other sanctions against the Mexican federation.
The incidents could also raise questions about the referees who officiated the two games. Despite the chant reportedly being heard on several occasions, neither referee activated FIFA’s anti-discrimination protocol.
Under the protocol, the referee can first stop play and order a stadium announcement warning supporters to stop. If the discriminatory behavior continues, the teams can be temporarily taken off the field, with the match abandoned as a final step if the conduct persists.
The Fare Network noted that Mexico has previously been punished over the chant, although efforts continue to eradicate it from games involving the national team.
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