FIFA orders partial stadium closure for Mexico’s match

FIFA has ordered the partial closure of Puebla’s Cuauhtemoc Stadium for Friday’s friendly between Mexico and Ghana after discriminatory chants were heard during Mexico matches, the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) said. The FMF said FIFA’s disciplinary committee had imposed the sanction following incidents involving discriminatory behaviour by fans during two friendlies played against Ecuador and Paraguay last year. “In compliance with the resolution, some sections have been blocked from public sale in accordance with the provisions established by FIFA and the stadium’s operational authorities,” the FMF said in a statement on Friday. Images shared by the federation showed empty seats covered by a banner reading “Wave yes, chant no”, part of a new campaign launched this week urging supporters to stop using homophobic chants ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which Mexico will co-host with the United States and Canada. Mexico have repeatedly been sanctioned by FIFA and CO