CAS rules FIFA wrong to fine Mexico for fans’ gay slur chant
GENEVA — FIFA was judged wrong to fine Mexico’s soccer federation for fans chanting gay slurs at opposition goalkeepers at World Cup qualifying games.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport judges hearing Mexico’s appeal accepted the chants were “insulting words,” even if fans did not intend to offend, the court said on Thursday when it published the verdict.
“(The words) could still be considered discriminatory or insulting in nature and should not be tolerated in football stadiums,” the court said.
However, FIFA was partially blamed for having helped to create a “wrong — but legitimate— understanding” that cases would not be punished.