Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso says defender Antonio Rudiger reported being racially abused during their 3-1 Club World Cup victory over Mexico’s Pachuca in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The incident occurred in stoppage time when Rudiger clashed with Pachuca captain Gustavo Cabral, shortly after claiming he had been fouled. Rudiger approached referee Ramon Abatti Abel, who responded by crossing his arms in front of his chest—signaling the activation of FIFA’s anti-racism protocol.
Cabral has denied using any racist language, claiming instead that he called Rudiger a “coward” and used an expletive during a heated exchange. “It was just a fight,” Cabral said. “We collided, and he said I hit him. Then there was an argument. The referee made the racism sign, but I kept saying the same thing the whole time.”
The match ended shortly after the incident, though tensions flared again after the final whistle, with players confronting each other on the pitch.
Under FIFA’s three-step anti-racism protocol, referees are instructed to stop, suspend, or abandon matches depending on the severity and continuation of discriminatory abuse.
When asked post-match about the situation, Alonso said: “Toni has informed us about something, and we have to wait for further investigation. I believe FIFA’s protocol has been activated. If something did happen, action must be taken. We support Antonio—this is unacceptable. There’s zero tolerance for racism in football at any level.”
Pachuca head coach Jaime Lozano said he was unaware of the allegation during his press conference: “I haven’t spoken to Cabral about this. I can’t justify anything. This is the first time I’ve heard of it. I’ve known him for a while and I’ve never encountered anything like that with any Pachuca players. I won’t defend my captain blindly—I will speak with him.”
BBC Sport has contacted FIFA for an official response.
Rudiger, who previously played for Chelsea, has been outspoken about racism in football. In 2021, he said, “Nothing ever really changes” despite ongoing campaigns, but vowed to “continue to fight.”
His report comes just days after anti-racism groups criticised FIFA for appearing to scale back anti-discrimination messaging during this year’s Club World Cup.
