Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger has accused Pachuca captain Gustavo Cabral of racist abuse during their Club World Cup final victory on Sunday, prompting the activation of FIFA’s anti-racism protocol.
The alleged incident occurred in stoppage time after Rudiger claimed he was fouled.
Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso confirmed Rudiger’s complaint, stating, “If something did happen, measures need to be taken and we support Antonio because this is something unacceptable. There’s no tolerance for this at any level of football.”
Cabral, however, has denied using racist language, admitting only to a heated exchange where he used an expletive and called Rudiger a “coward.” Pachuca head coach Jaime Lozano was unaware of the allegation until after the match, pledging to discuss the matter with Cabral.
FIFA’s protocol involves stopping, suspending, and potentially abandoning a match if racist behavior persists.
The incident follows recent criticism of FIFA for an apparent lack of anti-racism messaging at the tournament.
Rudiger, formerly of Chelsea, has been a vocal opponent of racism in football, asserting in 2021 that he would “continue to fight” against such abuse despite perceived lack of change.
