FIFA has launched a disciplinary investigation into Pachuca’s Gustavo Cabral following claims that he directed a racist remark at Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger, the world football governing body announced on Tuesday.
The alleged incident occurred late in the match between Pachuca and Real Madrid at the Club World Cup on Sunday.
“Following a review 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 match held in Charlotte on 22 June,” FIFA said in a statement.
Rudiger appeared visibly upset after an exchange of words with the Argentine defender and reported the matter to Brazilian referee Ramon Abatti Abel.
Cabral, however, has denied any racial abuse. Speaking after the match, the 39-year-old claimed Rudiger had misunderstood his words. He explained that he had called Rudiger a “coward”, using a Spanish term that sounds similar to a phrase associated with racist insults.
“The referee made the racism signal, but I kept saying the same thing — ‘coward’ — throughout,” Cabral insisted.
Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso addressed the incident during his post-match press conference. “There is no place for this in football. If it happened, action must be taken. Antonio has told us what was said, and we believe him. It is now under investigation,” Alonso stated.
The outcome of FIFA’s investigation remains to be seen as the governing body considers the evidence presented.
