June 28 – Conmebol has slapped the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) with a fine of $15,000 over homophobic chants at the Copa America’s curtain raiser between hosts Brazil and Bolivia.

Brazil’s 3-0 win over regional minnows Bolivia in the tournament’s opening match was overshadowed by the sterile atmosphere generated by a higher middle class crowd and homophobic chants which rolled down from the stands. Brazilian fans repeatedly shouted ‘bicha’, a homophobic insult, at the address of Bolivian goalkeeper Carlos Lampe.

Based on articles eight and fourteen of Conmebol’s discipline regulations, the South American federation has fined the CBF for the incident. The articles target discrimination in the form of “or attempt against the human dignity of another person or group of persons, by any means, for reasons of skin color, race, ethnicity, language, creed or origin.”

In the near future Conmebol could still issue more fines. The abuse has also been heard at other Brazil games and at various matches in the tournament. It is not the first time the CBF has been punished for the abhorrent behavior of its fans. During the 2018 World Cup qualifiers FIFA fined the Brazilian confederation for similar incidents.

Conmebol also slapped the Uruguayan FA with a fine of $10,000 for delaying their return to the pitch after half-time in their 2-2 draw with Japan during the group stages.

Contact the writer of this story, Samindra Kunti, at moc.l1601042269labto1601042269ofdlr1601042269owedi1601042269sni@o1601042269fni1601042269