FIFA Investigates Racism Allegations in Real Madrid, Pachuca Club World Cup Match

During Real Madrid's 3-1 victory over Pachuca at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, defender Antonio Rudiger alleged racial abuse from Pachuca player Gustavo Cabral in stoppage time. The referee, Ramon Abatti, activated FIFA's racial abuse protocol by making the crossed-arms gesture, signaling the incident would be investigated, although no immediate disciplinary action was taken as the referee did not hear the alleged slur firsthand. Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso publicly supported Rudiger's claim, calling the alleged abuse unacceptable and confirming that FIFA is now investigating the matter. Rudiger's return from a knee injury was overshadowed by this incident, which sparked tension on the field and post-match, with Rudiger visibly agitated and escorted off the pitch by team officials. The origins of the alleged abuse, whether from an opponent or the stands, remain unclear as FIFA has yet to comment further. This incident marks one of the first high-profile tests of FIFA's racial abuse protocol since its implementation.