Real Madrid's Antonio Rudiger has reported being subjected to racial abuse during the final moments of the Club World Cup match against Pachuca. The incident occurred during injury time when Rudiger clashed with Pachuca's captain, Gustavo Cabral. Rudiger alleged that he was fouled by Cabral, prompting a confrontation that led to the activation of FIFA's anti-racism protocol by referee Ramon Abatti Abel.

The Incident and Immediate Response The exact source of the racial abuse remains unclear, with possibilities ranging from the crowd to other players. FIFA's standard procedure for handling racism involves three steps: stopping the match, suspending it, and, if necessary, abandoning it entirely if the issue persists. The match concluded shortly after the incident, with Real Madrid securing a 3-1 victory, though tensions flared again post-match.

Statements from Real Madrid Real Madrid's manager, Xabi Alonso, expressed his support for Rudiger, stating, "That's what Rudiger said, and we believe him. It is important to have zero tolerance in these kinds of situations. FIFA now is investigating. That's all I can say." This incident is not isolated, as Rudiger has previously voiced concerns over the effectiveness of anti-discrimination campaigns in football.

Broader Context and Criticism This event occurs amidst criticism of FIFA for seemingly downplaying anti-racism efforts during the Club World Cup. Last week, campaigners criticized FIFA for not prominently featuring anti-racism messages, raising questions about the organization's commitment to tackling racism in the sport.

Rudiger's Ongoing Battle Against Racism Rudiger, who has been vocal about his experiences with racism in football, stated in 2021, "nothing ever really changes" despite various anti-discrimination campaigns. He remains committed to fighting against racial abuse, emphasizing the need for more effective measures and genuine commitment from governing bodies.

Conclusion The football community continues to grapple with the pervasive issue of racism. As FIFA investigates the claims made by Rudiger, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the work still needed to eradicate racial abuse from the sport.