WORLD CUP hosts Mexico have been warned their fans could face punishment over a controversial chant that has echoed around stadiums for more than a decade.
The anti-gay slur became one of the most infamous sounds of recent World Cups after going viral in Brazil in 2014.
It was heard again at tournaments in Russia in 2018 and Qatar in 2022 despite repeated attempts to stamp it out.
Now, just days before the 2026 World Cup gets underway, Mexico‘s football federation has lost its latest legal battle with FIFA over the issue.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport rejected an appeal against sanctions imposed after fans used the chant during international matches in 2024.
The one-word slur, “puto”, is typically shouted by sections of supporters when an opposing goalkeeper takes a goal kick.
FIFA has repeatedly punished Mexico over the chant, arguing it is discriminatory and has no place in football.
The latest case centred on matches against Bolivia, Uruguay, Brazil and the United States, where anti-discrimination monitors reported hearing the abuse.
CAS upheld FIFA fines totalling 140,000 Swiss francs (£127,000).
However, judges overturned a separate punishment that would have forced part of a stadium to be closed during a FIFA-organised match.
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The court acknowledged that Mexican football officials have spent years trying to eradicate the chant through education campaigns and fan awareness programmes.
But judges ruled that the behaviour remained widespread and that the federation could not escape responsibility.
CAS said the incidents were not isolated and involved large groups of supporters.
The ruling comes as Mexico prepares to host the opening match of the 2026 World Cup at the famous Azteca Stadium.
Football officials have launched a fresh campaign called “La Ola Sí, El Grito No”- translated as “The wave yes, the chant no”.
The initiative encourages fans to perform the famous Mexican Wave instead of using discriminatory chants.
Mexico will become the first nation to host the World Cup on three separate occasions when the tournament begins on June 11.
The country previously staged the competition in 1970 and 1986 and will co-host this year’s event alongside the United States and Canada.
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