Mexico fined over fan chants at USA vs. Mexico World Cup qualifier
Mexico have been fined again for the chants of their supporters, this time due to homophobic chants at the match vs. the United States last month, and FIFA continues to look into another similar incident.
FIFA issued a $20,000 fine on Monday to the Mexican federation for “improper conduct among its own group of spectators” identified as homophobic chants at the World Cup qualifier vs. the U.S. in Columbus, Ohio. The new sanction is Mexico’s sixth in 13 months, putting the Mexican federation’s fines at $105,000 for homophobic chants in that time.
A similar incident from Mexico's match against Panama four days later on November 15 is marked as “decision pending” and FIFA called the matter ongoing.
Some Mexican fans chant what FIFA and others consider a gay slur on goal kicks at the opposing goalkeeper. The chant has been a source of controversy with the Mexican federation arguing the chant does not have the meaning FIFA says while the fines do little to stop it.
FIFA could consider tougher sanctions, which it may be doing in regard to the Panama-Mexico match that is still under consideration. Also on Monday, FIFA handed Honduras a one-match ban from playing at their home stadium, Olimpico Metropolitano, due to fans using homophobic chants and throwing water bottles on the field. Honduras were also fined $40,000.
After Mexico’s previous round of punishments from FIFA, the federation announced they would appeal.
"We will fight the sanction because we don't agree with the connotation that FIFA has given the chant,” Mexican federation general secretary Guillermo Cantu said in October. "We will try to explain to them that the chant in Mexico is not done for the purpose that FIFA has interpreted."
It appears the appeal is still being reviewed, although FIFA rejected a similar appeal earlier this year.
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