“U.S. Soccer takes the issue of discriminatory behavior seriously and strictly prohibits any derogatory chant,” the federation said on Monday. “We are following and will fully enforce Policy 521-2 at this and in all future matches. With FMF and [Soccer United Marketing], we have worked proactively to prevent any discriminatory chant at our upcoming match by communicating the Fan Code of Conduct to attendees before the event and will continue that communication in-venue.”
In a statement to ESPN on Tuesday, FMF said: “We are aware of USSF’s policy regarding discriminatory conduct at international matches. FMF has zero tolerance for discriminatory, offensive, or other abusive conduct. For more than five years, FMF has been working both in Mexico and the U.S. to eradicate discriminatory conduct at soccer matches through proactive fan messaging prior to matches, as well as extensive in-game efforts.
“These efforts included educational videos, direct emails, stadium announcements, stadium signage, and social media campaign(s). For all our matches, FMF also works closely with game officials and local law enforcement to implement FIFA/CONCACAF’s three-step protocol.
As part of FMF’s continued commitment to educate fans and eliminate discriminatory conduct from stadiums throughout North America, we will continue to coordinate closely with U.S. Soccer to ensure matches are a safe space for all fans.”
