CAS upholds FIFA fines against Mexican Football Federation for homophobic chants

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has upheld fines imposed by FIFA on the Mexican Football Federation for homophobic chants by fans during matches. However, CAS annulled FIFA's partial stadium closure sanction. The ruling concerns incidents where Mexican fans used discriminatory slurs at games.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has ruled on the dispute involving the Mexican Football Federation, upholding FIFA-imposed fines while annulling the partial stadium closure sanction.

According to CAS's decision, the Mexican Football Federation must pay the fines imposed by FIFA relating to fans' use of homophobic chants during matches. Such discriminatory slurs are strictly prohibited under FIFA regulations, the football governing body's rules.

However, CAS found that the partial stadium closure as a form of punishment was not justified in this case and annulled that part of FIFA's decision. The stadium closure sanction would have meant that certain sections would have had to remain empty during future matches.

Homophobic chants from Mexican football fans have been a persistent problem in international football for years. FIFA has repeatedly warned and sanctioned the Mexican Football Federation, yet this behaviour has continued to occur at matches.