The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has ruled that Mexican football fans could face sanctions if they continue to use the controversial anti-gay chant puto during the FIFA 2026 World Cup.
The slur, typically shouted when opposing goalkeepers take goal kicks, has been prominent at previous tournaments in 2014, 2018, and 2022. Despite persistent campaigns and educational efforts by the Mexican Football Federation, fans have repeatedly ignored appeals to stop the chant.
In a decision issued ahead of Mexico’s opening World Cup match against South Africa at Azteca Stadium on June 11, CAS upheld FIFA’s fines against the federation—totaling 140,000 Swiss francs (approximately $178,000). However, CAS overturned an earlier sanction that would have seen parts of a stadium closed during World Cup games.
The judges acknowledged that the Mexican federation has introduced measures since 2015 to combat the chant, but described the behavior as “collective and widespread” rather than isolated.
To address the issue, the federation launched the “La Ola Sí, El Grito No” campaign, enlisting members of Mexico’s 1986 World Cup team to encourage positive support like the wave instead of discriminatory chants.
Mexico is set to co-host the 2026 World Cup with the United States and Canada, becoming the first nation to host the tournament three times, following previous editions in 1970 and 1986. Group-stage matches in Mexico will include games against South Korea in Guadalajara and the Czech Republic at Azteca Stadium.
FIFA’s anti-discrimination monitors will be present at all 104 World Cup matches across the three host countries, aiming to prevent the use of offensive chants throughout the tournament.
