Match Overview
During the recent match at Monterrey’s Club World Cup, officials took a firm stance against homophobic chants that erupted in the stands as Borussia Dortmund faced off against the local team. Despite Dortmund securing a 2-1 victory after a commanding first-half performance, the atmosphere was marred by a discriminatory chant directed at Dortmund’s goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, which became increasingly audible during the game.
FIFA’s Response
As the match progressed, FIFA officials noticed the chant—traditionally associated with Mexican football—repeatedly surfacing, prompting them to issue a warning that the game could potentially be halted if the behavior persisted. A visible announcement was projected on the stadium’s screen stating:
“Attention please! This is an important announcement. The referee has indicated that the match may have to be suspended because of discriminatory behavior amongst spectators. Discrimination in football stadiums will not be tolerated. If this continues, the game may be suspended or even abandoned.”
Thankfully, the match concluded without further interruption.
Criticism of FIFA’s Protocol
FIFA, which has implemented a protocol designed to allow referees to take escalating actions against discriminatory chants and behavior, has been under scrutiny lately. Critics, particularly anti-discrimination advocates, voiced their dissatisfaction with FIFA’s previous decision not to display anti-racist messaging throughout the Club World Cup in the U.S.—a significant departure from practices seen in recent tournaments, like the Women’s World Cup in 2023 and the Men’s World Cup in 2022.
In response to the outcry, FIFA did share anti-racism materials during the tournament on one specific day to coincide with an observance for countering hate speech. This included educational content regarding anti-racism initiatives, shown prior to a match featuring Manchester City and Wydad AC.
Ongoing Issues with Discriminatory Chants
The chant in question has a long and controversial history in Mexican football, sparking ongoing efforts from both the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) and its marketing partner, Soccer United Marketing (SUM), to combat its prevalence. Despite these significant investments and public awareness campaigns—such as the “What’s Wrong is Wrong” initiative launched in 2021 and relaunched in 2023—results have remained inconsistent, and the chant continues to persist in various leagues, including MLS, where it recently emerged among fans of the new club San Diego FC.
While the behavior of a small fraction of fans cannot be used to condemn an entire community, it nonetheless casts a shadow over both national teams and domestic clubs in Mexico. With the world watching as Mexico prepares to host part of the 2026 World Cup, the need for tangible change and awareness within the sport is more pressing than ever.
