FIFA has launched an investigation following allegations of racist abuse involving US social media influencer IShowSpeed and a fan during Argentina’s 3-2 win over Cape Verde on Friday.
IShowSpeed, which has 57 million subscribers on YouTube and 53 million on TikTok, streams live matches during the tournament, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino and former Barcelona and AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic appearing in some of its broadcasts.
Football’s world governing body said it was aware of the incident, which allegedly occurred at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on July 3, where the round of 16 match was being played, and had “immediately initiated an investigation.”
The 21-year-old, whose real name is Darren Jason Watkins Jr, can be seen in a video on his YouTube channel wearing a Cape Verde uniform and confronting an Argentine fan in the stands.
“The FIFA World Cup is a celebration of unity, diversity and respect,” FIFA said in a statement.
“It 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 game.”
IShowSpeed’s alleged abuse comes days after France striker Kylian Mbappe called the Paraguayan senator “despicable” and unworthy of her position after she made a series of racist remarks ridiculing his background and education.
Celeste Amarilla of Paraguay’s Radical Liberal Party posted her comments on X following her country’s defeat to France in the round of 16 of the World Cup.
The French Football Federation (FFF) announced plans to file criminal charges, calling Amarilla’s remarks “completely disgusting and unacceptable.”