FIFA has taken disciplinary action against the Salvadoran Football Federation (FESFUT) after racist and discriminatory behavior was reported during El Salvador’s World Cup qualifying clash against Suriname earlier this month.
The world governing body confirmed on Monday that El Salvador has been fined CHF 60,000 (approx. $62,715) and will face a 15% stadium closure in their next home qualifier as punishment for the misconduct.
The incidents were detailed in FIFA’s official disciplinary report, which cited repeated instances of discriminatory chants and behavior from sections of the home support.
“FIFA strongly condemns any form of discrimination in football. Such actions have no place in the game, and sanctions will be applied consistently to ensure respect and fair play,” a FIFA spokesperson said.
This is not the first time El Salvador has faced punishment for crowd behavior, and the sanction raises further concerns about fan conduct in Central American football.
El Salvador currently sits in a tough qualifying group and will now have to face their next home fixture with restricted crowd support, a blow to their campaign.
The ruling underscores FIFA’s zero-tolerance stance on racism, as it continues to clamp down on discriminatory behavior across international football.
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