In the latest addition to Mexican soccer fans appalling record of homophobic slurs, the national body has been hit with stiff penalties for slurs chanted by the team’s supporters at two World Cup matches.

“The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has sanctioned the Mexican Football Association with a fine of ($A155,000),” soccer’s international governing body said in a statement.

Mexico was also ordered to play one match in a FIFA competition “behind closed doors,” or with no supporters allowed to attend.

The sanctions are related to the breaching of Article 13 of the organisation’s disciplinary code during games against Poland and Saudi Arabia in Qatar, officials said.

Last updated in 2019, FIFA’s current rules on behaviour and discipline were developed to reflect the organisation’s “principle of zero tolerance on racism and any form of discrimination.”

Article 13 states that “any person who offends the dignity or integrity of a country, a person or group of people through contemptuous, discriminatory or derogatory words or actions (by any means whatsoever) on account of… gender, disability, sexual orientation… shall be sanctioned with a suspension lasting at least 10 matches or a specific period, or any other appropriate disciplinary measure.”

On November 23, FIFA’s disciplinary committee announced it had “opened proceedings against the Mexican Football Association due to chants by Mexican supporters” during their 0-0 draw against Poland.

A week later, officials announced a second investigation had been opened after chants were heard during Mexico’s 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia.

The Mexican Football Association has been previously sanctioned over the behaviour of its fans – who often chant homophobic abuse at goalkeepers during games.

In June 2021, Mexico’s victory over Costa Rica during a Nations League semi-final was halted for three minutes “due to discriminatory chanting,” according to Concacaf, the regional governing body for the sport in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.

Several fans were reportedly ejected following “multiple uses of a derogatory chant during Costa Rican goal kicks.”

-with AAP