FIFA Bans Moroccan Fans for Homophobic Chants at Arab Cup Match

Morocco and Algeria faced each other in the quarter-finals of the Arab Cup on December 11, a derby-like match that ended in the victory of the Fennecs (2-2, 3-5 on penalties). During this match, Moroccan supporters would have made very inappropriate (homophobic) remarks towards Tunisian supporters who had come to support Algeria, reports Onze mondial.

These reactions earned them a heavy sanction from FIFA. The world body has decided to ban Atlas Lions supporters from accessing the stands behind the goals during the play-off against the Democratic Republic of Congo, says Hanif Ben Berkane.

Morocco tried to defend itself, explaining to FIFA that "the word Aataya is not an insult but a reproach. It is inconceivable in Moroccan culture that men use discriminatory or sexually connoted words in the presence of women." But these arguments will probably not be enough to change FIFA’s mind.