FIFA Investigates Mexico for Homophobic Chant at World Cup

FIFA could investigate the Mexican Football Federation for the prohibited chant during the 2026 World Cup. The Fare Network organization delivered several reports on discriminatory incidents in matches involving the Mexican national team. The documents could lead to a formal disciplinary procedure. The FMF would face a new sanction even though Mexico was eliminated from the international tournament.

The participation of the Mexican national team ended following their defeat to England in the Round of 16. However, the federation’s business could be far from completely concluded. The organization would face a new investigation related to the behavior of a section of supporters. The incidents occurred during matches at Mexico City Stadium.

The reason for the possible investigation would be the presence of the well-known chant of “¡Ehhh… puto!”. This expression is typically directed by a section of supporters toward the opposing goalkeeper during clearances. For several years, FIFA has considered this practice as discriminatory conduct. The organization maintains this conduct within its official disciplinary protocols.

What reports did Fare Network deliver to FIFA?

The international organization Fare Network collaborates with FIFA in monitoring discriminatory incidents during the tournament. The entity delivered “several reports” linked to matches played by the Mexican team. The documents presented could lead to a disciplinary procedure by FIFA currently. To date, there is no official resolution nor has a punishment been confirmed.

The alleged incidents would have occurred during Mexico’s matches against Czech Republic and Mexico’s match against England. Both matches were played at Mexico City Stadium, a facility formerly known as Azteca Stadium. Although the chant could be heard at various moments during those matches, the referees did not activate the temporary suspension protocol. This situation was also noted in the published report.

Fare Network Executive Director Piara Powar stated that the problem can be modified over time. He recalled that the Mexican Federation has already received sanctions previously for this type of behavior. According to his statements, it is not the case that this culture is fixed or that it cannot be changed in a more positive direction. Particularly when the FMF has received significant fines in recent years.

What sanctions could the FMF face?

Fare Network classifies the chant as a homophobic expression within its international guide on discrimination at sporting events. Each detected incident is documented and sent to FIFA for corresponding analysis. It would not be the first time that the FMF faces consequences for this specific situation. In recent years, the Federation has received financial penalties, official warnings, and even the obligation to play matches without spectators.

Previous fines have reached six-figure amounts in U.S. dollars. Additionally, there were restrictions related to fan attendance at official matches of the Mexican national team. The possibility of a new sanction keeps an ongoing issue open.