As Mexico City prepares to host the World Cup, the Mexican soccer federation has faced a setback. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) upheld FIFA’s decision to fine the federation 140,000 Swiss francs ($178,000) due to fans chanting an anti-gay slur during matches. This ruling comes just days before Mexico’s national team is set to play South Africa at the iconic Azteca Stadium on June 11.

Background of the Issue

The offensive chant, which translates to a derogatory term for male prostitutes in Spanish, has been a recurring issue at international soccer events. It gained notoriety during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and persisted through subsequent tournaments in Russia and Qatar. Despite the Mexican federation’s efforts to educate and prevent such behavior since 2015, the chant remains prevalent among fans.

FIFA’s Response and CAS Ruling

FIFA has been proactive in addressing discriminatory behavior at soccer matches. The recent fines are a result of incidents reported by anti-discrimination monitors during games against Bolivia, Uruguay, Brazil, and the United States in 2024. While CAS upheld the financial penalties, it did lift the sanction that would have closed part of a stadium during a FIFA-organized game.

Challenges for Mexican Soccer Officials

The CAS ruling acknowledged the unique challenges faced by Mexican soccer officials in eradicating the chant. Despite implementing measures to educate fans, the court noted that the behavior was widespread and not an isolated incident. As Mexico prepares to host additional group-stage games against South Korea and the Czech Republic, the federation continues to work towards a more respectful environment.

Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.