The Guardian reported that world soccer organization FIFA has cleared Mexico fans over allegations of them shouting an expletive meant to discriminate gays during their favorite team's match against Cameroon. The slur, which is an offensive term for a male prostitute, has been observed to be a commonplace chant used in Mexican football whenever an opposing goalkeeper takes a goal kick. The probe was launched when anti-discrimination group Fare reported the incident to FIFA for its use of homophobic language. Fare also reported the use of the offensive language in one of its World Cup matches. The Mexican Football Association was later charged with improper conduct.
However, the British paper said the charge has since been lifted. Moreover, it appears that FIFA will not be imposing any disciplinary action regarding the incident.
A FIFA spokeswoman said about the decision, "Disciplinary proceedings were opened against Mexico for improper conduct of spectators during the match, Mexico v Cameroon. The Fifa disciplinary committee has decided that the incident in question is not considered insulting in this specific contest. All charges against the Mexican FA have been dismissed."
A spokesperson from Fare said that the FIFA decision had contradicted the advise of experts and said, emphasizing the world soccer organization's current policy on racism and discrimination, "If the decision is that the use of the word puto is not homophobic then this is disappointing and contradicts the expert advice of the Mexican government's own anti-discrimination body Conapred [El Consejo Nacional para Prevenir la Discriminación] and numerous other experts. Independent academics that we have taken the time to consult also confirm what many football fans in South America have known for a long time. A genuine zero tolerance approach to all forms of discrimination will mean that Fifa will need to take some difficult decisions. In the longer term it is the only way to set out clear leadership and deal with a real issue in football."
