FIFA has confirmed that matchday protocols were correctly followed during the Club World Cup incident involving Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger and Pachuca’s Gustavo Cabral, but the governing body has so far found no strong evidence of racist abuse.
The controversy follows Rudiger’s post-match accusation that he was racially insulted by Cabral.
Referee Ramon Abatti immediately acknowledged the complaint using FIFA’s anti-racism signal, triggering a formal review under the federation’s guidelines.
The alleged incident occurred after the final whistle and was not linked to crowd behaviour, shifting the focus entirely to player interaction.
Following an initial review of the referee’s report and both players’ testimonies, FIFA conceded that it is “very difficult” to establish what was said, citing the absence of video or audio confirmation.
Rudiger has maintained his claim, while Cabral reportedly denied using racist language, allegedly responding with: “Get up, you f***ing coward.”
Per FIFA statutes, proven racist conduct warrants a minimum 10-match suspension. However, the case remains unresolved due to lack of tangible evidence.
The situation echoes a recent Copa Libertadores precedent, where Sao Paulo’s Robert Arboleda Bobadilla was banned for four months for racially abusing Talleres’ Miguel Navarro — a decision supported by clearer substantiating material.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino reiterated the organisation’s zero-tolerance stance, calling racism “a crime”.
The latest updates to FIFA’s anti-racism protocol now permit not only referees but also players and team officials to formally raise on-pitch discrimination complaints in real time.
FIFA has confirmed the investigation remains open as efforts continue to clarify the incident.
