Home / Sports / FIFA Slams Mexico Stadium Over Fan Chants
FIFA Slams Mexico Stadium Over Fan Chants
23 May
Summary
- FIFA ordered partial stadium closure due to fan chants.
- Sanction follows discriminatory behavior in past matches.
- New campaign urges fans to stop homophobic chants.
FIFA has enforced the partial closure of Puebla's Cuauhtemoc Stadium for Friday's friendly match between Mexico and Ghana. This decision by FIFA's disciplinary committee arises from discriminatory chants detected during Mexico's past friendly games against Ecuador and Paraguay. The Mexican Football Federation confirmed that specific seating sections will be unavailable to the public, adhering to FIFA's directives.
The federation has also initiated a campaign, "Wave yes, chant no," urging supporters to cease homophobic chants. This initiative is crucial as Mexico prepares to co-host the 2026 World Cup with the United States and Canada. Mexico has faced repeated sanctions from FIFA and CONCACAF for a chant typically directed at opposing goalkeepers.
Recent years have seen matches involving Mexico temporarily halted due to such abuse, including the 2024 CONCACAF Nations League final against the United States. The Mexican Football Federation reaffirms its commitment to eradicating discriminatory conduct from stadiums. This match in Puebla is part of Mexico's World Cup preparations, with additional friendlies scheduled against Australia and Serbia.
