FIFA Launches Investigation After Racial Abuse Claim Against Antonio Rüdiger in Club World Cup Clash

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has confirmed that FIFA has opened an official investigation into alleged racial abuse directed at Antonio Rüdiger during their 3-1 victory over Pachuca in the FIFA Club World Cup on Sunday.

The incident unfolded five minutes into stoppage time, after Rüdiger was fouled and became entangled in a heated exchange with players from the Mexican side. According to reports, referee Ramon Abatti, after speaking with the German defender, made the crossed-arms gesture—a clear signal to activate FIFA’s anti-racism protocol.

In a post-match statement, Xabi Alonso made it clear that the club stands firmly behind Rüdiger, stating:

“That’s what Rüdiger 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.”

The accused, Gustavo Cabral, denied the allegation, claiming he only called Rüdiger a "chicken" during the altercation and did not use any racial slur.

FIFA has said it will formally proceed with the investigation upon receiving the referee’s match report and relevant documentation.

🗣️ Our Take: No Room for Racism—Not in Football, Not Anywhere

Whether intentional or not, the moment the anti-racism protocol is triggered, football authorities must treat the matter with the utmost seriousness.

Antonio Rüdiger has been a respected advocate against racism, and his willingness to speak up reflects the need for players to feel safe, heard, and protected—especially in high-stakes global tournaments.

The fact that FIFA acted swiftly, and that Real Madrid is publicly backing their player, is a step in the right direction. But we’ve seen too many of these cases get brushed under the rug with "insufficient evidence" as the final verdict.

This cannot be another one of those moments.

Players are not only athletes—they’re human beings.

💬 Do you believe FIFA will take real action? What should the punishment be if racial abuse is confirmed? Share your thoughts below.

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