The Fare network, FIFA’s partner in combatting discrimination, has submitted several reports concerning the behavior of Mexican fans at World Cup matches, signaling potential repercussions for the Mexican Football Federation. This development marks a continuation of challenges faced by the federation, which has been penalized multiple times over the past ten years for similar issues.

Piara Powar, the executive director of the Fare network, revealed the submission of these reports in a recent interview but did not disclose specific details of the incidents. The Fare network has been a vigilant observer at World Cup games, providing live monitoring to ensure compliance with FIFA’s anti-discrimination policies.

The reports may include incidents of the homophobic chant "El Grito," a recurring issue for the Mexican team since the 2014 World Cup. The chant peaks as the opposing goalkeeper kicks the ball, ending with the crowd yelling "puto," a term considered derogatory and homophobic. Despite efforts to curb its use, including campaigns and pleas from prominent players like Javier Hernandez, the chant was notably heard during Mexico's recent matches against England and Czechia.

FIFA has yet to comment on the specifics of the reports. However, their statement emphasized that "potential incidents are handled by FIFA’s judicial bodies in line with the relevant regulations and match reports, and taking into account the specific circumstances at stake."

Historically, sanctions for such infractions have included hefty fines and playing matches in empty stadiums. The outcome of these latest reports will likely not be known until after the World Cup concludes, following a thorough investigation and potential hearings.

Efforts to change fan behavior have been persistent. Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, the Mexican federation initiated a campaign to replace the controversial chant with a stadium-wide wave, reminiscent of the wave popularized during the 1986 World Cup held in Mexico.

Powar remains optimistic about the possibility of cultural shift within the fanbase, noting that significant fines over the years could be a catalyst for change. "It’s not the case that this culture is fixed or that you can’t change it into a more positive direction," he stated, highlighting the ongoing battle against discriminatory practices in international soccer.