FIFA has opened an investigation into allegations of racist abuse directed at popular streamer IShowSpeed during last week’s World Cup match between Argentina and Cape Verde.
In a statement posted on X on Tuesday, FIFA said it became aware of an incident involving a supporter and the American content creator at Miami Stadium during the July 3 fixture and promptly launched an inquiry.
The governing body reaffirmed its opposition to all forms of racism, discrimination and hate, stressing that such behaviour has no place in football, at the FIFA World Cup or in society.
IShowSpeed, whose real name is Darren Watkins Jr., is one of the world’s most-followed online personalities, boasting more than 57 million YouTube subscribers alongside millions of followers across other digital platforms.
The 21-year-old has been covering World Cup matches through a special collaboration involving FIFA, YouTube and Fox Sports, livestreaming his experiences throughout the tournament.
Reports also indicated that the streamer was subjected to further racist abuse during Tuesday’s World Cup clash between Argentina and Egypt, with an Argentine supporter allegedly making monkey gestures towards him during an encounter.