CAS upholds 140,000 CHF fine on Mexican federation

The Mexican soccer federation has lost its final appeal against FIFA sanctions for a discriminatory chant used by its fans, a ruling delivered just days before the country hosts the opening match of the World Cup. The Court of Arbitration for Sport upheld fines totaling 140,000 Swiss francs (approximately $178,000) against the federation but lifted a sanction that would have closed part of a stadium for a FIFA-organized event.

This decision marks the latest development in a series of legal disputes between Mexico and FIFA spanning more than a decade. It comes as Mexico prepares to face South Africa on June 11 in the opening match at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, a venue where the chant has been frequently heard. The chant, a one-word Spanish slur meaning "male prostitute," is typically directed at opposing goalkeepers during goal kicks. It gained international attention during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and was subsequently heard at tournaments in 2018 and 2022.

The CAS case stemmed from FIFA prosecutions related to incidents at Mexican national team matches in 2024 against Bolivia, Uruguay, Brazil, and the United States. Anti-discrimination monitors, who will also be...