The Court of Arbitration for Sport has confirmed that the Mexican Football Federation must pay a 140,000 Swiss franc fine for the repeated use of a homophobic chant by supporters. The sanction also saw a previously imposed stadium closure lifted, but the monetary penalty remains in force.
A chant that refuses to disappear
The phrase, which translates to a derogatory term for a male sex worker, first surged into the global spotlight during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. It resurfaced in subsequent tournaments in Russia and Qatar, and it re‑emerged during recent fixtures against Bolivia, Uruguay, Brazil and the United States.
Despite intensive education campaigns launched by the federation, fans have continued to employ the chant at domestic matches, most notably at the iconic Azteca Stadium. Observers note that the persistence of the behavior reflects a deeper cultural challenge within Mexican football.
Mexico is slated to host group‑stage matches against South Africa, South Korea and the Czech Republic in the upcoming World Cup, which will be staged across three North American venues. Anti‑discrimination monitors appointed by FIFA will be present at all 104 games in Mexico, the United States and Canada to watch for further incidents.
The ruling underscores the unique pressures faced by Mexican officials as they attempt to balance tradition, fan passion and the sport’s growing intolerance for hate speech. While the fine represents a concrete step, the broader battle against discriminatory chants remains an open contest.