FIFA to take no action against Mexico for anti-gay World Cup chants

FIFA says it will take no action against Mexico for anti-gay abuse by the team’s fans during a World Cup match, because the chants are “not considered insulting”.

The organisation had last week opened diciplinary proceedings against both Brazil and Mexico, over the use of homophobic slurs by fans.

Mexico coach Miguel Herrera had defended the use of anti-gay slur ‘puto’ (‘faggot’) by his team’s fans in their match against Cameroon, claiming “it’s not that bad.”

He said: “We’re with our fans. It’s something they do to pressure the opposing goalkeeper.”

Today, FIFA has confirmed it will take no action whatsoever against Mexico for the incident.

A statement said: “The Disciplinary Committee has decided that the incident in question is not considered insulting in this specific context. All charges against the Mexican FA have been dismissed.”

Mexico, which had faced a charge of “improper conduct”, won the match in question 1-0.

Piara Powar, director of football equality group Fare Network, said previously: “The levels of homophobic abuse at some matches is also totally unacceptable.”

“There is some rapid education required before it begins to run out of control.”

Homophobic t-shirts referring to players as a ‘maricón’ (‘faggot’) were on sale in Brazil weeks before the competition began.

• Dec 01 2023

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