FIFA Concludes Antonio Rudiger-Gustavo Cabral Racism Probe; Evidence Inconclusive

FIFA has reportedly concluded the racism inquiry involving Real Madrid star Antonio Rudiger and Pachuca captain Gustavo Cabral during their Club World Cup clash.

Due to a lack of evidence, the investigation was deemed inconclusive by the committee.

Cabral could have been suspended for a significant time had FIFA found clear evidence of racism.

Real Madrid Defender Antonio Rudiger Accuses Gustavo Cabral of Making Racist Remarks During Club World Cup Meeting

Despite losing Raul Asencio to an early red card, Real Madrid cruised to a 3-1 victory over Mexican side Pachuca in their second Club World Cup match.

Jude Bellingham, who has complained about US pitches, Arda Guler, and Federico Valverde scored for Los Blancos, while Elias Montiel netted Pachuca’s consolation goal. Trent Alexander-Arnold, who got a lot of flak for failing to deliver on his Real Madrid debut, also enjoyed an excellent outing.

Unfortunately, the game ended on a bitter note, as substitute Antonio Rudiger clashed with Gustavo Cabral. Following the final whistle, Rudiger accused Gustavo Cabral of making racially-charged comments towards him. The referee immediately activated FIFA’s anti-racism protocol, crossing his arms and signalling that a possible racist incident had occurred.

🚨 Xabi Alonso: “Racist insult against Rudiger? That's what Rudiger said, and we believe him”.

“Now FIFA is investigating. It's unacceptable”. pic.twitter.com/aN7X6wdIFF

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 23, 2025

In the post-match press conference, Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso said the club fully supported Rudiger.

“We support Antonio because we believe him. FIFA’s protocol is now active, and an investigation will follow. If what he said is true, the necessary steps must be taken,” Alonso said (via Madrid Universal).

“There’s no place for racism. It’s unacceptable, and we won’t tolerate it.”

FIFA Concludes Rudiger Cabral Racism Incident; Evidence Inconclusive

According to a report from Spanish outlet MARCA, FIFA’s probe into the possible racist incident between Antonio Rudiger and Gustavo Cabral is still unresolved.

Following the anti-racism protocol, FIFA went through the entire footage of the game, noting possible triggers. However, it was a direct altercation between the two players, that, too, in the absence of audio or visual evidence. As a result, FIFA failed to determine whether a racial slur was used against Rudiger.

Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger says he was racially abused in the closing stages of the match against Pachuca at the Club World Cup. pic.twitter.com/R72RD4DFBI

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) June 23, 2025

Since a proven incident of racial abuse can result in a minimum of a 10-match suspension, FIFA could not deliver a verdict without being certain. Cases involving racism can also result in a point deduction, fines up to €5 million, and disqualification from competitions.

Additionally, almost all instances of racist incidents tend to involve fans. There is a clear precedent in such cases, with the club receiving hefty sanctions. Incidents involving an individual are still novel, so FIFA needs to define how to deal with such cases going forward. As things stand, Cabral is free to participate in Pachuca’s final Club World Cup Group H game against Al Hilal.