FIFA opened a disciplinary case against Pachuca defender Gustavo Cabral after Real Madrid’s Antonio Rüdiger accused him of racial abuse during their Club World Cup clash. The incident occurred in the dying minutes of Madrid’s 3-1 win over Pachuca in Charlotte, North Carolina, on June 22, 2025.
Clash in Final Minutes Sparks FIFA Anti-Racism Protocol
“Following an assessment of the match reports, the FIFA disciplinary committee has opened proceedings against Pachuca player Gustavo Cabral in relation to the incident involving him and Real Madrid’s Antonio Rüdiger,” FIFA announced in a statement.
As the game entered five minutes of stoppage time, players from both sides were involved in a heated altercation. After order was restored, referee Ramon Abatti could be seen speaking with Rüdiger and then making the “X” gesture with his arms, activating the official anti-racism protocol.
“We Believe Him,” Says Madrid Coach Xabi Alonso
Following the match, Real Madrid’s new head coach Xabi Alonso, came out and seriously addressed the media. During the media interaction, he confirmed that Rüdiger reported the alleged incident to the team. “That’s what Rudiger said, and we believe him,” Alonso said. “It is important to have zero tolerance in these kinds of situations. FIFA now is investigating. That’s all I can say.”
Cabral later defended himself. Speaking to The Athletic, he said, “It was a fight, we collided, he said that I hit him with my hand and then there was an argument. The referee made the sign of racism. In Argentina, we say ‘cagon de mierda’ all the time—I told him the same thing.”
FIFA is expected to deliver a verdict before Pachuca’s final Group H match against Al Hilal on Thursday in Nashville. However, the outcome of that match won’t affect Pachuca’s standing. The team cannot finish higher than third and won’t advance to the knockout stage.
