Key Takeaways

  • FIFA initiates an investigation into alleged racial abuse against Real Madrid's Antonio Rudiger during the Club World Cup final.
  • Rudiger clashed with Pachuca captain Gustavo Cabral in injury time, signaling FIFA's anti-racism protocol.
  • The incident occurred in the closing moments of the match, with Real Madrid winning 3-1.
  • FIFA's anti-racism protocol involves stopping, suspending, and potentially abandoning the match.
  • Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso supports Rudiger and emphasizes zero tolerance for racism.
  • This is not the first time Rudiger has spoken out against racism, highlighting ongoing concerns.

FIFA has initiated an investigation following allegations of racial abuse against Real Madrid's Antonio Rudiger during the Club World Cup final against Mexican side Pachuca. The incident occurred in the closing moments of the match, which Real Madrid won 3-1.

Rudiger, a German international, clashed with Pachuca captain Gustavo Cabral in injury time after claiming he was fouled. The defender then approached referee Ramon Abatti Abel, who signaled the activation of FIFA's anti-racism protocol by crossing his arms. It remains unclear whether the alleged abuse came from a player or a member of the crowd.

FIFA's anti-racism protocol involves a three-step process: stopping the match, suspending it, and ultimately abandoning it if the issue persists. However, the game concluded shortly after the incident, with tensions flaring between players again after the final whistle.

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso expressed his support for Rudiger, stating, "That's what Rudiger said, and we believe him. It is important to have zero tolerance in these kinds of situations. FIFA is now investigating. That's all I can say."

This is not the first time Rudiger has spoken out against racism in football. In 2021, while playing for Chelsea, he criticized the lack of meaningful change despite anti-discrimination campaigns, vowing to continue fighting against such abuse. The incident has reignited concerns over FIFA's commitment to addressing racism, especially after campaigners recently criticized the organization for reportedly omitting anti-racism messaging at the Club World Cup.

As the investigation unfolds, the football community awaits further action to ensure accountability and justice in the face of racial discrimination.