Mexico’s football federation has suffered a significant setback just days before the start of the FIFA World Cup after losing its latest appeal against sanctions imposed by FIFA over discriminatory chants from supporters.
The ruling was delivered by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), marking the latest chapter in a long-running dispute between Mexican football authorities and FIFA regarding the persistent use of an anti-gay slur by sections of the national team’s fanbase.
The decision comes ahead of Mexico’s World Cup opener against South Africa on June 11 at the iconic Azteca Stadium, a venue where the controversial chant has frequently been reported.
The chant, commonly directed at opposing goalkeepers during goal kicks, first gained worldwide attention during the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
Despite repeated warnings, educational campaigns and anti-discrimination initiatives launched by the Mexican federation, incidents have continued to surface at international matches.
FIFA launched disciplinary proceedings following reports from anti-discrimination monitors who documented the chant during matches against Bolivia, Uruguay, Brazil and the United States in 2024.
Those same monitoring systems are expected to be in operation throughout the 2026 FIFA World Cup across Mexico, the United States and Canada.
Following a hearing held in Miami in March, CAS upheld FIFA’s financial penalties against the Mexican federation.
The court confirmed fines totaling 140,000 Swiss francs (approximately $178,000), although it overturned a stadium-related punishment that would have required part of a venue to be closed during a FIFA-organized competition.
In its ruling, CAS acknowledged the efforts made by Mexican football authorities to combat the issue.
“Put measures in place since 2015 to educate, prevent and eradicate the chant,” the statement read.
However, the judges concluded that the incidents could not be dismissed as isolated occurrences.
“They [the judges] observed that the conduct of the fans was collective and widespread, and not merely a one-off occurrence.”
CAS also noted the complexity of the challenge facing the federation but maintained that responsibility ultimately remained with the governing body.
Despite the legal setback, Mexico will now turn its attention to the tournament itself as the host nation prepares to welcome the world.
After facing South Africa in Mexico City, Mexico will continue its group-stage campaign against South Korea in Guadalajara before returning to Azteca Stadium to take on the Czech Republic.
With the World Cup set to begin, football officials will be hoping the focus remains firmly on events on the pitch rather than off-field controversies.
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