FIFA Invites Victim of 'Slanted-Eye' Racist Gesture to South Korea-Mexico Match

Influencer Inonyang (real name Yoon Su-jin), who was subjected to a racist 'slanted-eye' gesture by a Mexican man while cheering for the South Korean national football team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has been invited by FIFA to attend the upcoming South Korea-Mexico match.

FIFA announced on Wednesday (June 17) that "Inonyang has been invited to the 2026 World Cup match between South Korea and Mexico, scheduled to take place in Guadalajara, Mexico, on June 19, and she has accepted the invitation." The organization added, "As the match date coincides with the 'International Day for Countering Hate Speech,' we have decided to join forces with Inonyang to send a message of respect and inclusion."

On June 12, while attending the Group A opening match between South Korea and the Czech Republic at Guadalajara Stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico, Inonyang was targeted by a Mexican man who performed a racist act.

In the video released by Inonyang, the Mexican man is seen making a gesture toward the camera by pulling his eyes sideways with both hands.

The 'slanted-eye gesture' is widely considered a prominent racist act used to disparage people of Asian descent.

The video spread rapidly across social media, and it was later revealed that the man was Ulises Fernando Bernal Miramontes, the president of the College of Civil Engineers, Topographers, Geologists, and Geodesists of Jalisco (CITGEJ).

Miramontes has since posted an apology video and resigned from his position as president of CITGEJ.

Regarding the incident, FIFA emphasized, "The individual who committed the racist act against Inonyang during the South Korea-Czech Republic match has been identified, and his World Cup ticketing account has been blocked. We have also received an apology from the individual." FIFA added, "We strongly condemn all forms of racism, hatred, and discrimination."
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.