FIFA Investigating Rudiger Racial Abuse Claim

Antonio Rudiger has alleged he was subjected to racial abuse at the end of Real Madrid’s 3-1 Club World Cup victory over Pachuca.

The incident arose late in the match when the German international collided with Pachuca’s captain, Gustavo Cabral. Rudiger fell to the pitch, protesting that he’d been fouled by the Argentine. His reaction prompted him to speak with referee Ramon Abatti Abel, who signalled the official anti-discrimination protocol by crossing his arms across his chest.

The origin of the abuse—whether from a player or a figure in the crowd—remains unspecified. FIFA’s policy on racist conduct includes a step-by-step approach: suspending play, halting the match, and, if necessary, abandoning it altogether.

Following the final whistle, tempers flared again between the Real Madrid and Pachuca players. Xabi Alonso, managing Real on the day, was clear in his support for Rudiger’s account.

“That’s what Rudiger said, and we believe him,” Alonso stated. “It is important to have zero tolerance in these kinds of situations. FIFA now is investigating. That’s all I can say.”

This is not the first time Rudiger has addressed racism in football. Back in 2021, while at Chelsea, he remarked that “nothing ever really changes” despite anti-discrimination campaigns, adding he would “continue to fight” against such abuse.

FIFA was already under scrutiny at this tournament after campaigners criticised the organisation for removing anti-racism messaging from the Club World Cup.