Newsletters
FIFA has opened an investigation after a fan directed a racist remark at social media influencer IShowSpeed during a livestream at a World Cup match in Miami.
The incident happened during Argentina's 3-2 win over Cabo Verde on July 3 at Hard Rock Stadium. Speed, whose real name is Darren Jason Watkins Jr., turned to a fan leaning over the railing to get his attention while livestreaming. When Speed asked what she said, the fan responded in Spanish, telling him to "go cry at the zoo."
FIFA said it learned about the incident and "immediately initiated an investigation." The organization described the World Cup as a celebration of "unity, diversity and respect," and added that anyone who goes against these values "is not welcome in our game."
Speed has attended and livestreamed several World Cup matches under an agreement with FIFA, Fox Sports, and YouTube that allows him to simulcast official match coverage. During the incident with the Argentina fan, he was seen wearing a Cabo Verde kit.
The 21-year-old has more than 150 million followers across social media, including 57 million subscribers on YouTube and tens of millions on TikTok, Instagram, and X. FIFA President Gianni Infantino and former player Zlatan Ibrahimovic have both appeared in his broadcasts during the tournament.
The alleged abuse happened just days after France forward Kylian Mbappe criticized Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla for racist remarks she made about his background and education after Paraguay was eliminated by France. The French Football Federation has said it plans to file criminal charges over Amarilla's comments.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
1 min read
