Football’s world governing body, FIFA, has launched a disciplinary investigation after Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger accused CF Pachuca’s Gustavo Cabral of racially abusing him during a heated Club World Cup match in Charlotte, USA.
The incident unfolded in the closing moments of Sunday’s Group H tie, when Rudiger, visibly enraged, approached the referee following an exchange with Cabral. According to sources at the stadium, the Mexican club defender allegedly used a racial slur in Spanish.
Cabral, however, has denied the accusation, claiming he called Rudiger a “cagón de mierda” — a Spanish insult meaning “f***ing coward” — not a racist term. He told Argentine media that the dispute was intense but did not cross racial lines. “There was nothing racist,” Cabral insisted. “He kicked me, accused me of hitting him, and we argued — that was it.”
The referee responded by making FIFA’s new anti-racism symbol — crossing his arms — a gesture introduced under updated protocols in 2024 to signal the start of an investigation. Under these rules, officials may pause or suspend a match if racism is confirmed.
Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso backed Rudiger after the game. “He reported the insult to us. We support Antonio 100 percent — racism has no place in football,” Alonso said.
FIFA confirmed the investigation on Tuesday, saying: “Proceedings have been opened against CF Pachuca’s Gustavo Cabral in relation to an incident involving Real Madrid’s Antonio Rudiger during the Club World Cup game on June 22.”
This case will be closely watched as FIFA doubles down on its pledge to fight racism in the game.
