Mexico faces possible FIFA sanction after fans chant homophobic slur at World Cup

During Mexico's 3‑0 victory over the Czech Republic at the Estadio Azteca, fans repeatedly shouted the homophobic slur “puto,” aimed at Czech goalkeeper Matej Kovář. The chant has resurfaced despite campaigns by the Mexican Football Federation to suppress it and follows previous FIFA penalties, including fines of 10,000 Swiss francs in 2018, 100,000 Swiss francs in 2022, and a $65,000 fine that forced Mexico to play two qualifiers behind closed doors.

The incident reignites debate over whether FIFA will impose new sanctions as Mexico prepares to host matches of the 2026 World Cup in Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey. Officials have so far allowed play to continue, but the recurrence of the chant raises concerns about enforcement of FIFA’s anti‑discrimination protocols.