New Rule: Homophobic Shouts at Stadiums in Brazil Could Cost Clubs Points

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The Superior Sports Court (STJD) ruled on Monday, August 19th, that homophobic manifestations in stadiums, such as screaming “bicha” (fag) during a goal kick, are punishable and may cost teams three points on the league standings.

The communication sent to clubs have STJD’s recommendations, but the content has a tone of warning. Referees and assistants were also mentioned and encouraged to act in cases where they see prejudice.

“That from this date [19th] match officials, aides and police will report incidents on the scoresheet and/or official match documents, any occurrence of prejudiced manifestations and insults relating to sexual choice by fans or participants of the competitions” reads an excerpt from the STJD’s recommendation.

The text is signed by STJD attorney Felipe Bevilacqua, who explained that he understands that cases of homophobia should be included in Article 243-G of the Disciplinary Code: “Practicing discriminatory, scornful or outrageous acts for reasons originating in race, gender, color, age, or due to issues relating to an elderly or disabled person.”

The expected punishment for homophobic shouts by fans is a loss of three points in the league standings. Repeat offenders will receive double the penalty. The attorney adds that in addition to the summary, additional measures can be taken if other officials or agents prove that prejudice has occurred in Brazilian stadiums.

“It is soccer adapting to changing times and situations that are no longer acceptable. The investigations will be case by case, they will be analyzed by judges, but the idea is that [homophobia] will be fought in the same way as racism.”

STF AND FIFA PUT PRESSURE ON SPORT JUSTICE

The recommendation to punish homophobia is a reaction the STJD had to the pressure FIFA is applying, also due to a ruling by the Federal Supreme Court (STF). The recommendation cites four reasons for adopting punishments for homophobia, three of which are linked to these two institutions.

The first is the STF hearing, held on June 13th, that decided to apply racism crime statutes to punish homophobia and transphobia.

That determination put pressure on the STJD because Brazilian soccer historically coexists with prejudice in the stadiums. One of the most repeated offenses, which increased after the 2014 World Cup, is the crowd shouting “fag” when the visiting team goalkeeper is making a goal kick.

There are also two reasons resulting from FIFA documents. The organization circulated an announcement on July 25th of this year to its affiliates to combat discriminatory practices. Before that, they had already sent out a guide on prejudice prevention.

This initiative has already affected the CBF, which was fined five times — four times in the qualifiers and once in Copa America. The sum of these punishments is R$350,000 (US$87,500).

In addition to signaling the possible penalties to clubs due to homophobia, the Sports Justice recommendation calls for teams to create educational campaigns for fans and athletes to prevent infractions. The communication calls for the implementation of these measures “as soon as possible”.