"FIFA Investigates Pachuca’s Cabral Amid Rüdiger Racial Abuse Allegations: A Focus on Fair Play in Mexico"

On Tuesday, FIFA announced that disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against Pachuca’s Gustavo Cabral following a controversial incident involving Real Madrid’s Antonio Rüdiger during their Club World Cup match on June 22, 2025, held in Charlotte, USA. This action came after the activation of FIFA’s anti-discrimination protocol during the game.

According to a statement given to Reuters, FIFA noted, “After reviewing the match reports, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has opened proceedings concerning Gustavo Cabral, relating to the incident that took place with Real Madrid’s Rüdiger during the FIFA Club World Cup match.”

Referee Ramon Abatti triggered the anti-discrimination protocol by crossing his forearms in front of his chest during stoppage time, following a heated exchange that erupted after an apparent foul on Rüdiger, who represents Germany internationally.

In a post-match press conference, when asked if Rüdiger experienced racism, Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso replied, “That’s what Rüdiger said, and we stand by him.”

FIFA has not elaborated on the specifics of the disciplinary measures yet.

Cabral has strongly denied any allegations of racist behavior, asserting, “There was nothing racist. I simply referred to him as ‘chickens—,’ which is a common expression in Argentina, and that’s all there was to it,” he stated in Spanish to reporters following the match.

This report utilized information from Reuters.