Fifa has started an investigation into an alleged racist incident involving American content creator IShowSpeed during Argentina’s 3-2 World Cup victory over Cape Verde.
The incident reportedly happened at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium on 3 July, where the last-32 match was played. Fifa confirmed it became aware of the allegations and quickly began looking into the matter.
IShowSpeed, whose real name is Darren Jason Watkins Jr, was attending the game while wearing a Cape Verde shirt. Footage from his YouTube livestream appeared to show the 21-year-old involved in a confrontation with an Argentina supporter in the stands.
The popular online personality has been one of the most visible figures at the tournament, broadcasting matches to his huge global audience. He has more than 57 million subscribers on YouTube and over 53 million followers on TikTok, with Fifa president Gianni Infantino and former Barcelona and AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic previously appearing in his streams.
Fifa condemned any behaviour that goes against the values of inclusion and respect, saying the World Cup is intended to unite different cultures and communities from across the globe.
The case comes shortly after another racism controversy at the tournament involving France captain Kylian Mbappe. The forward criticised Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla after she posted comments about his background and education following Paraguay’s defeat to France.
Mbappe called the remarks unacceptable, while the French Football Federation confirmed it plans to take legal action, describing Amarilla’s comments as offensive and discriminatory.