FIFA has launched a disciplinary investigation at the Club World Cup after Real Madrid’s Antonio Rüdiger accused Pachuca captain Gustavo Cabral of racially abusing him during their recent match.
The incident took place in the closing minutes of Madrid’s 3-1 victory over Pachuca on Sunday in Charlotte, North Carolina. Rüdiger, who is Black, reported the alleged abuse to Brazilian referee Ramon Abatti, prompting the official to initiate FIFA’s anti-discrimination protocol by making the approved signal — raising his arms in an ‘X’ above his head.
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On Tuesday night, FIFA confirmed that formal disciplinary proceedings have been opened against Cabral.
“Following a review of the match reports, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has initiated proceedings against Pachuca player Gustavo Cabral regarding the incident involving Real Madrid’s Antonio Rüdiger,” FIFA stated.
A decision is expected before Pachuca’s final Group H fixture against Al Hilal, scheduled for Thursday in Nashville. Regardless of the outcome, Pachuca will not progress beyond the group stage, as the Mexican side cannot finish higher than third place.
Cabral, 39, has denied the accusation of racism, stating that he used language considered a common insult in Argentina.