Ecuador's fans celebrate after the World Cup group A soccer match between Qatar and Ecuador at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar, Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Discriminatory chants allegedly by Ecuador fans at the World Cup opening game led FIFA to open the first disciplinary case of the tournament on Tuesday.
FIFA said the charge was brought “due to chants” at the game against Qatar on Sunday and cited the section of its disciplinary code dealing with discrimination.
The chants were reportedly directed at Chile, which brought a legal case ahead of the World Cup to try to take Ecuador’s place.
FIFA gave no timetable for dealing with the case against the Ecuadorian soccer federation, which is held responsible for fan behavior at games.
Ecuador fans also drew global attention to their chants in Spanish of “we want beer” during the team’s 2-0 win at Al Bayt Stadium. It was a reference to FIFA and Qatari organizers banning the sale of beer with alcohol at stadiums.
AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/world-cup and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
nico_cali on November 23rd, 2022 at 12:38 UTC »
The irony of cracking down on a country for homophobic chants in a country where being homosexual is illegal and having rainbows on anything excludes you from entry. You couldn’t write a better Curb Your Enthusiasm episode.
UNLEASHTHEFURY8 on November 23rd, 2022 at 12:24 UTC »
Imagine having FIFA as your arbiter for what is considered moral or legal.
KittenLaserFists on November 23rd, 2022 at 11:50 UTC »
When Qatar gets booted after the first round, do you think the number of scandals will spike?