FIFA World Cup: Mexico, Ecuador Under Investigation After Abusive Fan Chants | What Happened?

The World Cup has now kicked into full gear but not without controversy as FIFA is investigating chants done by Mexican and Ecuadorian fans as their teams played their respective games against Poland and host Qatar.

According to Reuters, FIFA did not specify which chant Mexican fans did during the game. However, it was noted that Mexican fans had been very loud in their chants during Poland striker Robert Lewandowski's penalty kick attempt that was saved by goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa.

Meanwhile, Ecuador fans chanted homophobic chants against Chileans, though it should be noted that the host country, Qatar, has a government known to have one of the strictest and most oppressive anti-LGBTQ laws in the world.

Mexico's History of Homophobic Chants During Soccer Matches

While FIFA did not specify which type of offensive chant the Mexican fans did during their team's match against Poland. ESPN noted that the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) has been sanctioned by FIFA before due to a recurring anti-gay goalkeeper chant that Mexican fans have been doing during El Tri matches.

"The proceedings were opened based on article 13 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code," FIFA said in a statement. However, it remains unclear if the Mexican fans unleashed their infamous homophobic chant which earned them a FIFA sanction or if they were just behaving badly in Qatar.

It was noted that Mexico received punishment for discriminatory fan chants from two World Cup qualifying matches. However, their punishment was reduced following a promise from the FMF to execute an educational and enforcement campaign for matches at home and in the U.S.

Mexico also warned their fans that they would impose five-year bans if they were found doing the chant.

As for Ecuador, The Athletic reported that Ecuadorian fans were allegedly heard "singing a homophobic chant against Chileans." FIFA is also investigating the matter.

Qatar's Anti-LGBTQ Campaign During the World Cup

While FIFA is investigating homophobic chants by Ecuador and Mexico, several news outlets have also pointed out that FIFA has been giving a free pass to host Qatar for homophobic behavior.

The Conversation pointed out that same-sex relationships are illegal in Qatar and are punishable by up to seven years in prison. Because of this, several teams opted to show solidarity with the LGBTQ community by wearing "ONE LOVE" armbands during matches.

However, on the night before the tournament began, FIFA announced that they are regulating armbands as they have their own social campaign armbands.

Players were allegedly warned that wearing the "ONE LOVE" armbands will result in a Yellow Card for their team.

LGBTQ fans going to Qatar were also warned not to show public displays of affection with their partners during their stay in the Gulf country. FIFA itself urged fans to be "respectful of the host nation."

While Qatar has said it will welcome LGBTQ fans, a Qatari official stated to German media that homosexuality is "damage in the mind." He also warned LGBTQ fans visiting the country that they "have to accept our rules here".

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

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