Story perspectives

Mexico Beats Czech 3-0; FIFA Fines Federation $65K for Chant

6/26/2026

Summary

FIFA sanctions Mexico

Mexico beat the Czech Republic 3-0 at Estadio Ciudad de México, fans shouted “puto” at Matej Kovar preparing a goal kick at half-time.
FIFA fined the Mexican Football Federation 100,000 Swiss francs for chants 2018 and 2022 and imposed a $65,000 fine and two closed-door qualifiers.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport upheld the sanctions, overturned a stadium-closure order, and FIFA’s code lets referees stop match if chanting persists after warnings.

Summary

Mexico Chant Persists

The chant, meaning “male prostitute,” originated about 25 years ago and is used to intimidate goalkeepers.
It went viral at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and resurfaced in 2018 and 2022.
The Mexican soccer federation has warned fans, yet the chant still appears at Estadio Azteca.
Mexico entered the match as Group A winners, already assured of a knockout spot, making it a formality.

History

Historical Context

Since Euro 2004, UEFA’s disciplinary committee has been empowered to impose fines and stadium bans for misconduct. FIFA’s Disciplinary Code, updated in 2023 and explicitly covering racist conduct, similarly authorises monetary penalties and match suspensions, leading national bodies such as the English FA and the Mexican Football Federation to tighten fan-behaviour rules.

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FIFA sanctions Mexico

Mexico beat the Czech Republic 3-0 at Estadio Ciudad de México, fans shouted “puto” at Matej Kovar preparing a goal kick at half-time.
FIFA fined the Mexican Football Federation 100,000 Swiss francs for chants 2018 and 2022 and imposed a $65,000 fine and two closed-door qualifiers.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport upheld the sanctions, overturned a stadium-closure order, and FIFA’s code lets referees stop match if chanting persists after warnings.

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