Fifa has opened an investigation into allegations of racist abuse involving American social media influencer IShowSpeed and a supporter during Argentina's 3-2 win over Cape Verde on Friday. The incident occurred at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on 3 July, during a last-32 fixture at the World Cup.
The 21-year-old, whose real name is Darren Jason Watkins Jr, can be seen in footage on his YouTube channel wearing a Cape Verde kit, engaged in a confrontation with an Argentina fan in the stands. IShowSpeed, who has 57 million subscribers on YouTube and 53 million followers on TikTok, has been live-streaming matches from the tournament, even drawing appearances from Fifa president Gianni Infantino and former Barcelona and AC Milan forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
“Fifa investigates after IShowSpeed allegedly racially abused at Argentina v Cape Verde match.”
Fifa said it was made aware of the incident and "immediately initiated an investigation". In a statement, the governing body declared: "The Fifa World Cup is a celebration of unity, diversity and respect. It brings together people, cultures and communities from around the world and anyone who acts in a manner that undermines these values is not welcome in our game."
The alleged abuse comes just days after France forward Kylian Mbappe labelled a Paraguayan senator as "despicable" and unworthy of her position after she made a number of racist remarks mocking his origin and education. Celeste Amarilla, of Paraguay's Liberal Radical Party, posted her comments on X after her country's defeat by France in the last 16. The French football federation (FFF) has announced plans to file criminal charges, describing Amarilla's remarks as "utterly abhorrent and unacceptable".
The investigation into IShowSpeed's treatment underscores Fifa's commitment to stamping out racism, but questions over enforcement remain as the tournament progresses.