FIFA Investigates Alleged Racism Against IShowSpeed During Argentina-Cape Verde Match

FIFA has launched an investigation into allegations of racist abuse involving American digital influencer IShowSpeed and a fan during last Friday's match where Argentina defeated Cape Verde 3-2.

The world football governing body confirmed it was aware of an incident that reportedly occurred on July 3rd at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, where the Round of 16 match took place, and stated it "immediately initiated an investigation."

IShowSpeed, whose real name is Darren Jason Watkins Jr., is a 21-year-old with a massive social media presence, boasting 57 million YouTube subscribers and 53 million TikTok followers. Throughout the tournament, he has been live-streaming games, featuring appearances from figures such as FIFA President Gianni Infantino and former Barcelona and AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimović.

Footage released on his YouTube channel shows the influencer, wearing a Cape Verde jersey, confronting an Argentina fan in the stands.

In a statement, FIFA reiterated its core values, asserting that "the FIFA World Cup is a celebration of unity, diversity, and respect." The organization added that the event "brings together people, cultures, and communities from all over the world, and anyone who acts in a way that undermines these values is not welcome in our sport."