FIFA drops World Cup homophobic chant investigation

FIFA has dropped its investigation into alleged homophobic chanting from the stands during recent World Cup games.

It had been reported that Mexico’s fans kept shouting the word “puto” (Spanish for “male prostitute” or “gay prostitute”) at Cameroon’s goalkeeper during their opening match on June 13.

However, BBC News reports that football’s governing body has determined that the chanting “was not considered insulting in the specific context”.

There has also been reports of similar language used by Brazilian fans in their game against Mexico last week, as well as reports of chanting from Russia and Croatia. FIFA have yet to reach a conclusion on inappropriate behaviour from Brazilian, Russian and Croatian fans.

Fare, the network charged with monitoring behaviour at this summer’s World Cup, said that the ruling by FIFA’s disciplinary committee is “disappointing”.

Fare’s executive director, Piara Powar, previously described the levels of homophobic abuse at some matches as “totally unacceptable”, adding that “some rapid education” is needed before things get out of hand.

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