Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger has accused Pachuca's Gustavo Cabral of directing racist abuse at him during Sunday's Club World Cup match in Charlotte, leading the referee to activate Fifa's anti-discrimination protocol.
The alleged incident took place during stoppage time of the Group H fixture, which Real Madrid won 3-1.
A visibly angry Rudiger approached Brazilian referee Ramon Abatti Abel after a verbal altercation with Cabral.
Stadium sources suggest Cabral allegedly called Rudiger "negro de mierda", a Spanish racial slur.
Antonio Rudiger was left visibly fuming by the incident
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However, the Pachuca defender has disputed this claim, insisting he said "cagon de mierda", meaning "f***ing coward".
The referee responded by crossing his arms in front of his chest, Fifa's designated 'No Racism Gesture', indicating the matter would undergo further review.
Whilst no card was issued, this gesture represents the first step in Fifa's three-stage anti-discrimination protocol introduced in 2024.
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The incident occurred with just moments let in the game
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This initial step alerts officials and competition authorities to the alleged incident and gives referees the option to stop the match.
The subsequent stages involve suspending or abandoning the match if discriminatory behaviour escalates or continues.
The incident occurred approximately five minutes into stoppage time, with the match concluding shortly afterwards amid continued arguments between players after the final whistle.
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Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso expressed full support for Rudiger following the match, confirming the defender had reported receiving a racist insult.
"That's what Rüdiger said, and we believe him," Alonso told reporters. "It is important to have zero tolerance in these kinds of situations. Fifa now is investigating. That's all I can say."
The manager described the alleged abuse as "unacceptable" and emphasised the club's backing of their player.
Fifa came under criticism by campaigners as it allegedly dropped its 'anti-racism' message for the Club World Cup.
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Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso described the incident as 'unacceptable'
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The Athletic reported that a 'no racism' campaign was prepared but never used at the tournament.
The incident overshadowed what was Alonso's first victory since taking charge of Real Madrid, following a 1-1 draw in his opening match against Al-Hilal.
Despite being reduced to ten men after just seven minutes when Raul Asencio was dismissed for fouling Salomon Rondon, Real Madrid secured a crucial victory in sweltering 33-degree heat before more than 70,000 fans.
Jude Bellingham opened the scoring with a composed finish in the 35th minute, followed by goals from Arda Guler and Federico Valverde, whereas Elias Montiel netted a late consolation for Pachuca.
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois proved instrumental with 10 saves, including a crucial double stop.
The victory means Real Madrid can secure qualification for the last 16 with a result against Red Bull Salzburg on Thursday in Philadelphia.
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