ToplineThe soccer governing body FIFA sanctioned Mexico on Monday, banning fans from attending the men’s team’s next two World Cup qualifying home matches and fining the national federation almost $110,000 for spectators’ persistent use of homophobic chants, the latest action in response to the longtime practice of supporters shouting anti-gay slurs during games. General view of the ceremony before the match between Mexico and Honduras as part of the Concacaf ... [+] 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifier on Oct. 10, 2021 in Mexico City. Earlier this year FIFA banned fans from Mexico’s first two World Cup qualifying games because of anti-gay chanting before reducing it to one after petitioning from the national soccer league. Key BackgroundThe issue of anti-gay chants from fans has plagued the Mexican team for years despite promises of reform from the Mexican Football Federation. That’s the number of LGBTQ people killed in Mexico in 2019, up nearly a third compared to the year before.

Source: Forbes November 01, 2021 22:45 UTC