Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger has formally alleged he was racially abused during his side’s 3-1 Club World Cup victory against Mexican side Pachuca.
The incident, which occurred late in injury time following a clash between Rudiger and Pachuca captain Gustavo Cabral, led the referee, Ramon Abatti Abel, to immediately activate FIFA’s anti-racism protocol.
While the initial source of the abuse was unclear, FIFA’s subsequent formal investigation has focused on the exchange with Cabral, and the organization’s Disciplinary Committee has since opened proceedings against the Pachuca player.
Cabral, however, has denied using racist language, stating he only called Rudiger a “coward” in Spanish, a phrase he claims is common in Argentina but may resemble a phrase with racist connotations.
Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso confirmed the allegation, asserting the club’s belief in Rudiger and stressing the importance of “zero tolerance” in such situations while noting that FIFA is investigating.
The referee’s protocol activation signals FIFA’s official three-step procedure for dealing with discriminatory behavior: first, stopping the match; second, suspending it; and finally, abandoning the match as a last resort if the abuse persists.
