FIFA has fined the Mexico Football Association (FMF) after fans used homophobic chants during the 2022 World Cup. Back in November, football enthusiasts around the world tuned in to the controversial tournament – which was held in the gulf region of Qatar.
During the World Cup’s group stages, Mexico faced backlash after their fans were heard singing anti-LGBTQ+ chants during the team’s games against Poland and Saudi Arabia.
In response to the fans’ anti-LGBTQ+ behaviour, FIFA announced that they would be investigating the incidents “on the basis of article 13 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.” After a few weeks of silence, the football organisation revealed that the FMF would be receiving a fine of CHF 100,000 ($108,000). “The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has sanctioned the Mexican Football Association with a fine of CHF 100,000 and one match in a FIFA competition to be played behind closed doors by its men’s national team (suspended for a probationary period) for breaches of article 13 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (Discrimination) in light of chants by Mexican supporters during the Mexico v.
Poland and Saudi Arabia v. Mexico FIFA World Cup™ matches,” FIFA wrote in a statement on 13 January. Alongside the FMF, the Ecuadorian Football Association, Football Association of Serbia, Argentinian Football Association, and Croatian Football Association were also fined for breaching article 13 of the organisation’s disciplinary code.