SouthernWorldwide.com – FIFA is once again facing pressure to take disciplinary action against Mexico, one of the co-hosts for the 2026 World Cup, after an offensive anti-gay chant resurfaced during their recent match against Czechia.
The controversial chant, a staple among a segment of Mexico’s fanbase, was heard on at least three occasions during Mexico’s decisive 3-0 victory over Czechia on Wednesday night. This particular slur has a history of causing disruptions in past matches and has previously resulted in financial penalties for the Mexican Football Federation.
Despite its history and the potential for sanctions, stadium officials reportedly allowed the game to continue without intervention, even as the chant echoed through the crowd. The chant is typically directed at the opposing goalkeeper, and while FIFA has made efforts to curb its use in the past, its reappearance on Wednesday has put the governing body in a familiar, yet challenging, position.
The situation now rests with FIFA to determine if Mexico will face further penalties. This is not the first time the organization has had to address this issue with the Mexican team, especially given Mexico’s significant role in the upcoming 2026 World Cup.
During the 2018 World Cup, FIFA demonstrated its willingness to penalize nations for their fans’ conduct. Mexico was notably fined for the same anti-gay chant during a match against Germany. This disciplinary measure appeared to be effective, at least temporarily, as the chant was absent from Mexico’s subsequent game against South Korea in that tournament.
However, the issue resurfaced in the 2019 Gold Cup, prompting renewed calls for fans to cease the offensive chant. CONCACAF, the governing body for football in North America, Central America and the Caribbean, issued a statement condemning the chant as “offensive.” Despite these warnings, the chant was again heard during a match against the United States.
Following these repeated incidents, FIFA took steps to strengthen its disciplinary code. The organization introduced a three-step procedure for responding to “discriminatory incidents.” This protocol mandates an initial stoppage of play until the chants cease. If the chanting persists, the game is to be suspended, and at the third level of escalation, the match would be abandoned.
The Mexican Football Federation has also attempted to address the problem internally. In 2021, the federation released public service announcements, including videos that labeled the chant as “discriminatory.” Prominent Mexican players were featured in these videos, urging fans to refrain from using the chant and warning that participants could face ejection from stadiums.
Despite these multifaceted efforts, the continued use of the chant indicates a persistent challenge in changing fan behavior. The responsibility now falls back on FIFA to decide on the appropriate disciplinary course of action for the Mexican team.
Previously, the Mexican Football Federation incurred a $65,000 fine from FIFA, and the team was also compelled to play two World Cup qualifier matches behind closed doors, with an empty stadium, as a consequence of the fan chants.
