FIFA has launched a disciplinary investigation into Pachuca defender Gustavo Cabral following allegations that he made a racist remark toward Real Madrid’s Antonio Rudiger during their Club World Cup match on June 22 in Charlotte.
The incident occurred late in the game and led to a visibly upset Rudiger confronting Argentine player Cabral and speaking to Brazilian referee Ramon Abatti Abel.
The referee reportedly indicated a racism-related concern, prompting FIFA to assess the match reports and initiate proceedings.
“Following an assessment of the match reports, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has opened proceedings against CF Pachuca player Gustavo Cabral in relation to the incident involving him and Real Madrid’s Antonio Rudiger during the FIFA Club World Cup game played in Charlotte on 22 June,” FIFA said in an official statement.
Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso addressed the issue in the post-match press conference, saying, “In football, there is no tolerance for this. And if it happened, then measures should be taken. This is what Antonio has told us and we believe him. It’s being investigated now.”
Cabral, 39, denied making any racist remarks. He claimed that Rudiger had misunderstood a Spanish phrase he used. According to Cabral, he called Rudiger a “coward,” and the phrase he used may have sounded similar to a racial slur in Spanish.
“The referee made the racism sign but I was telling him the same thing the whole time — (coward),” Cabral said after the match.
The outcome of FIFA's investigation will determine whether disciplinary action will be taken against Cabral.