The Copa America clash between the Mexico national football team and the Ecuador national football team was marred by controversy as homophobic chants from fans threatened to halt the match. This incident occurred during a critical moment in the tournament, raising questions about team conduct and its impact on standings and fair play.
During the 0-0 draw at State Farm Stadium in Arizona, which resulted in Mexico’s elimination from the tournament, stadium authorities made three separate announcements via the public address system, urging fans to cease the discriminatory chanting. A message was also displayed on stadium screens, reinforcing the call for respectful behavior.
These warnings were not isolated events. Copa America organizers had already implemented a three-step protocol to combat discrimination, with pre-match announcements to fans. This protocol allows referees to stop, suspend, or even abandon matches in cases of persistent discriminatory behavior from the stands.
The chant in question, a homophobic slur directed at the opposing goalkeeper during goal kicks, has been a recurring issue at Mexican football matches for years. Despite efforts from authorities like FIFA, the Mexican Football Federation (FMF), and CONCACAF to eradicate it, sections of the Mexican fanbase continue to engage in this offensive behavior.
This particular Copa America game, organized by CONMEBOL, highlights the ongoing struggle to eliminate discrimination from football. For Mexico, a nation set to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, these incidents raise concerns about their image on the global stage and the behavior of their fans. The upcoming World Cup, with thirteen matches scheduled in Mexico including the opening game at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on June 11, 2026, underscores the urgency for change.
Copa America’s Anti-Discrimination Protocol
In 2019, FIFA established a clear three-step protocol to address discriminatory incidents during matches. This protocol is currently in effect at Copa America and was activated during the Mexico vs. Ecuador game:
- Match Stoppage: The referee halts the game to allow for a public announcement addressing the discriminatory behavior. This step can be repeated as necessary.
- Match Suspension: Players are sent to the dressing rooms for a specific period, or until the discriminatory chanting stops.
- Match Abandonment: As a last resort, and only in critical scenarios after consulting with team captains and security advisors, the match can be abandoned.
During the Mexico-Ecuador game, the message displayed on the LED screen, translated from Spanish, clearly stated: “The referee has indicated that the match could be suspended due to discriminatory behaviour among spectators. Discrimination in football stadiums is not tolerated. If this continues, the match will be suspended, and eventually canceled.”
Message displayed on the LED screen warning fans about discriminatory behavior.
Past Efforts to Combat Homophobic Chants
Various organizations have invested significantly in campaigns to combat homophobic chants in football. The Mexican Football Federation (FMF), in partnership with Soccer United Marketing (SUM) and CONCACAF, has launched public awareness initiatives, including social media campaigns, ticket statements, and banners.
The FMF has also implemented stricter measures, such as requiring fans to register for a fan ID card with facial recognition to identify and ban individuals engaging in discriminatory behavior at national team matches.
CONCACAF’s “What’s Wrong is Wrong” anti-discrimination campaign, launched in 2021 and relaunched in 2023, aimed to raise awareness and promote respectful fan conduct. This campaign was notably reinforced during a CONCACAF Nations League semi-final match between the United States and Mexico in June 2023.
If you wouldn’t say it at home, why would you say it at the stadium? What’s wrong is wrong#WhatsWrongIsWrong pic.twitter.com/4JPJraXkFE
— Concacaf Nations League (@CNationsLeague) June 7, 2021
At the club level, examples like LAFC in Major League Soccer demonstrate that focused efforts, including collaboration with fan groups to promote inclusion, can successfully eradicate the chant.
Recurring Issue of Discriminatory Chants
Unfortunately, the incident during the Mexico vs. Ecuador game is not isolated. Discriminatory chanting, including homophobic slurs, has been a persistent problem in football, involving fans from various nations.
In September 2021, a World Cup qualifier between Mexico and Jamaica at Estadio Azteca was held behind closed doors due to prior homophobic chant incidents.
During the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, FIFA initiated disciplinary proceedings after homophobic chants were heard during Mexico’s matches against Poland and Saudi Arabia. FIFA’s monitoring system reported “discriminatory reference(s) to gay men” by fans.
Despite these incidents, former FMF president Yon De Luisa suggested that the chant was well-controlled during the initial World Cup matches and controversially blamed a referee’s failure to caution a goalkeeper for time-wasting as a potential trigger for the chants in a later match.
Mexico faced a fine of 100,000 Swiss francs and is appealing the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
In June 2023, a CONCACAF Nations League semi-final between Mexico and the United States was halted in the 90th minute due to homophobic chants, ultimately leading to an early end to the match.
Fans in the stadium during a previous match where homophobic chants were an issue.
Similar delays occurred during the CONCACAF Nations League final in March 2024, further underscoring the ongoing nature of this issue.
CONCACAF has repeatedly condemned the chants and emphasized the disappointment that such behavior persists, especially as the region prepares for significant opportunities to grow football in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has also publicly stated that discrimination has no place in football or society and called for accountability for those responsible.
Implications for the 2026 World Cup
The repeated incidents of homophobic chanting by Mexican fans raise significant concerns as Mexico prepares to co-host the 2026 World Cup. Mexico is set to host the opening match at Estadio Azteca on June 11, followed by matches in Guadalajara and Mexico City. In total, the country will host 13 World Cup matches.
Map showing the host cities for the 2026 World Cup.
FIFA, as the organizer of the World Cup, will enforce its three-step protocol at the tournament. The potential consequences for discriminatory behavior, ranging from fines to match forfeitures, are substantial and could significantly impact the tournament experience and team standings.
The incident during the Mexico vs. Ecuador Copa America game serves as a stark reminder of the challenges ahead. While the focus should be on the competition and team standings, discriminatory behavior threatens to overshadow the sport and undermine the principles of respect and inclusivity. Addressing and eradicating homophobic chants is crucial for Mexico, not only for the integrity of football but also for its reputation as a host nation on the world stage.
