International Federation of Association Football (FIFA)

A couple attending the World Cup were brutally beaten leaving one with brain injuries while British activist Peter Tatchell has been detained by police.

Everything will be fine, FIFA promised. Russia pinky-swore they’d be nice to you, they said.

If gay soccer fans could be arrested or killed, why is FIFA even holding the big game in such a notoriously anti-LGBTQ nation?

RIO DE JANEIRO — A monitoring group has challenged FIFA to show leadership in tackling discrimination after the sport’s world governing body dropped an investigation of Mexico fans chanting an alleged gay slur. FIFA’s disciplinary panel ruled Monday that the chant heard during Mexico vs. Cameroon on June 13 “is not considered insulting…

RIO DE JANEIRO — The FIFA (International Federation of Association Football) will take no action against the Mexican football federation over fans chanting an alleged gay slur at World Cup matches. FIFA says its disciplinary panel decided the chant “is not considered insulting in this specific context,” and that it dismissed a charge…

RIO DE JANEIRO — The FIFA (International Federation of Association Football) is investigating claims that Mexico fans chanted anti-gay slurs during its opening match against Cameroon at the World Cup. FIFA says “disciplinary proceedings were opened against Mexico for improper conduct of spectators” last Friday in Natal.

LONDON — A leading figure within the English Football Association says she won’t go to the World Cups in Qatar and Russia because of their anti-gay laws.

ULRICHEN, Switzerland — International Federation of Association Football President Sepp Blatter expects a reply within days from Russia, the 2018 World Cup host, clarifying its law prohibiting gay “propaganda.”

GENEVA, Switzerland — The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has asked authorities in 2018 World Cup host Russia for “clarification and more details” about a new anti-gay law, joining the International Olympic Committee in seeking answers from Moscow.