The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has sentenced the Mexican football federation FMF to fines for two ghost games and homophobic statements by fans. FMF President Yon de Luisa confirmed this at a news conference on Friday evening and there is even a risk of being out of the World Cup.

The incidents occurred during the Olympic qualifying tournament in Guadalajara in March, “particularly during the Games against the Dominican Republic and the United States,” de Luisa said.

FIFA punishment: Mexico threatens to withdraw 2026 World Cup

FMFs have already been sanctioned several times by the world federation for similar incidents, with fines now exceeding $350,000. Proceedings were started after the group game against Germany during the 2018 World Cup.

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President de Luisa warned supporters that if further incidents occur, there is “a high risk” that Mexico could be excluded from qualifying for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. There is also a danger that Mexico co-hosted the 2026 World Cup, for which Mexico was awarded contracts with the US and Canada. (MP/SID)