Overview

• Antonio Rudiger reported that Pachuca defender Gustavo Cabral used a racist Spanish insult during stoppage time of Real Madrid’s 3–1 win on June 22 in Charlotte.
• Referee Ramon Abatti activated FIFA’s anti-racism protocol by making the crossed-arms gesture after Rudiger notified him of the alleged abuse.
• Cabral has denied the racism allegation, saying he repeatedly called Rudiger a common Argentine insult meaning “f***ing coward.”
• FIFA’s disciplinary committee formally opened proceedings on June 24 and could issue a verdict before Pachuca’s final Club World Cup match.
• Cabral remains eligible to play against Al-Hilal on June 26 while the investigation is ongoing.