MEXICO CITY (AP) — The Mexican Soccer Federation says it will appeal a fine imposed by international soccer’s governing body over anti-gay chants by fans.
It was the third time in 10 months that FIFA has sanctioned Mexico’s national team for the habit of its fans yelling a gay slur during kicks by opposing goalkeepers.
The latest fine, for $31,675 (30,000 Swiss francs), involves chants at qualifying matches for the 2018 World Cup to be held in Russia.
Mexican federation secretary general Guillermo Cantu said Tuesday that his group will appeal the fine because “in the specific context the chant is not discriminatory.”
In March, the Mexican federation launched a couple of 30-second videos in which popular soccer stars ask fans not to engage in discriminatory behavior.
