Homophobic chant returns in Mexico’s World Cup match against the Czech Republic
The chant, used to distract goalkeepers on goal kicks, has cost Mexico hundreds of thousands of dollars in FIFA fines.
- On Wednesday, Mexico fans chanted a slur during their final World Cup group stage match at Estadio Azteca against Czechia, while referees failed to intervene despite the audible behavior.
- Popular for roughly 25 years, the chant has previously triggered FIFA sanctions, including a $108,000 fine in 2023, and appeared in World Cup tournaments in Brazil, Russia, and Qatar.
- The chant was heard three times at Estadio Azteca, reaching peak volume in the 40th minute when Czechia's Matej Kovar prepared to take a goal kick.
- FIFA maintains a zero-tolerance policy requiring referees to stop play when discriminatory chants occur, yet officials took no action during Wednesday's match.
- Mexico won the match 3-0, having already secured a spot in the knockout phase as Group winners before facing the Czech Republic.
33 Articles
33 Articles
FIFA faces pressure to discipline 2026 World Cup co-host Mexico after anti-gay chant returns vs Czechia
Mexico fans chanted an anti-gay slur during the team's 3-0 win over Czechia, potentially leading to FIFA discipline for one of the 2026 World Cup host countries.
Mexico Vs Czechia, FIFA World Cup 2026: Fresh Controversy Erupts As Homophobic Chants Return At Estadio Azteca
The incident on the brink of halftime, when the Czech goalkeeper was taking a goal kick, and homophobic chants could be heard around the stadium, was intended to intimidate the player
MEXICO CITY— Fans who attended the last round of the Mexican World Cup group stage on Wednesday chanted an insult that has previously caused fines and other sanctions against the country’s football federation. The insult, which literally means “prostitute” in Spanish, was heard at the Azteca stadium around the end of the first time, when Czech goalkeeper Matej Kovar pulled out. This song has cost Mexico hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines …
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