FIFA investigates alleged racist abuse of IShowSpeed

FIFA has announced that it has opened an investigation following allegations of racist abuse directed at American social media influencer IShowSpeed during Argentina's 3-2 victory over Cape Verde on Friday at the FIFA World Cup.

IShowSpeed, whose real name is Darren Jason Watkins Jr., is 21 years old and has around 57 million subscribers on YouTube and 53 million followers on TikTok. He has livestreamed several matches during the tournament, with FIFA President Gianni Infantino and former Barcelona and AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimović appearing in some of his broadcasts.

According to FIFA, the organization was informed of the alleged incident that took place on July 3 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, where the Round of 16 match was played, and immediately launched an investigation.

In footage published on his YouTube channel, IShowSpeed can be seen wearing a Cape Verde jersey while engaging in a heated verbal exchange with an Argentina supporter in the stands.

In its official statement, FIFA reiterated that it has zero tolerance for discrimination.

"The FIFA World Cup is a celebration of unity, diversity and respect. It brings together people, cultures and communities from around the world, and anyone who acts in a way that undermines these values is not welcome in our game," the statement said.

The incident comes just days after France forward Kylian Mbappé described a Paraguayan senator as "disgusting" and unfit for office following racist remarks she made about his background and education.

Senator Celeste Amarilla of Paraguay's Radical Liberal Party posted the comments on the social media platform X after Paraguay's defeat to France in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup.

The French Football Federation (FFF) has announced that it will file a criminal complaint against Amarilla, describing her remarks as completely unacceptable and deeply offensive.

Photo: Instagram