FIFA invites Korean YouTuber targeted by racist gesture to South Korea-Mexico match
The global football governing body FIFA has invited a South Korean YouTuber who was targeted by a racist gesture to attend the upcoming World Cup match between South Korea and Mexico.
The gesture of goodwill seeks to promote a powerful message of inclusion and respect.
According to a FIFA statement cited by South Korean media, content creator Yoon Su-jin, known online as InoCat, has accepted the invitation. She will attend the group-stage fixture in Guadalajara, Mexico, on Thursday night.
FIFA noted that the match coincides with the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, a United Nations observance established in 2021 to combat the spread of xenophobia and discrimination worldwide, Korea Times reported.
The invitation stems from an incident earlier this month in Guadalajara, where Yoon was covering South Korea's June 12 match against the Czech Republic, which ended with a 2-1 win for the Asian side.
Yoon, an influencer with nearly 9 million followers across TikTok and YouTube under the handle @inocat_t, filmed a video from the stands to celebrate her team's victory.
In the background of her footage, a local man can be seen laughing before using his fingers to pull his eyes wide into a "slant-eye" gesture, a widely recognized racist act toward people of Asian heritage. Upon noticing the behavior, Yoon immediately dropped her smile and looked at the camera in disbelief.
She later posted the video with a caption in Korean: "I came all the way to Mexico for the World Cup, but ... am I being too sensitive?" In a subsequent post, she added: "POV: You traveled across the world for the World Cup... and experienced racism."
While some online users dismissed the gesture as a form of local humor with no malicious intent, the majority heavily condemned the behavior and urged football supporters to speak out against racism.
Public backlash and disciplinary action
After the footage circulated online, internet users identified the man as Ulises Bernal, then head of the Jalisco State Surveying and Geomatics Engineers Association.
Public pressure quickly mounted for disciplinary action.
In response, the professional association announced that Bernal would be removed from his position, New York Post reported.
Bernal later issued a public apology on social media, stating he was "deeply regretful" and admitting his actions were inappropriate. He also confirmed he had submitted his resignation.
FIFA took swift action as well. The organization confirmed it had identified the perpetrator and blocked him from accessing his ticketing account, stating that it "strongly condemned all forms of racial discrimination," as quoted by Chosun Daily.
Despite the upsetting encounter, Yoon has remained positive about her experience in Mexico. In recent Instagram updates, she stressed that the incident would not stop her from traveling around the country or showcasing its attractions.
"Thank you for all the love and support you've sent me from Mexico. I'm doing well and staying safe, so please don't worry about me," she wrote. "Next week, I'll be returning to Guadalajara to continue making unforgettable memories. Even though Mexico and South Korea may face each other on the football pitch, off the field we will always be brothers and friends."
She added that the World Cup reminded her that kind-hearted people far outnumber the negative ones, promising to enjoy every moment and cheer loudly for her team until the very end.
FIFA's invitation to Yoon comes as the organization navigated a separate controversy involving World Cup referee Shaun Evans.
Evans, who served as a support video assistant referee during Germany's 7-1 victory over Curacao, drew attention after television cameras captured him forming a circle with his index finger and thumb, a gesture that has been linked by some to far-right extremist groups.
The footage prompted a FIFA investigation. However, Evans released a statement insisting the gesture was entirely unintentional. Following a review, FIFA announced that its independent disciplinary committee found no evidence that Evans had violated the organization’s disciplinary code and officially closed the matter.
Content creator Yoon Su-jin is seen being subjected to a racist gesture during a 2026 World Cup match at Guadalajara Stadium in Zapopan, Mexico, on June 12, 2026, in this screenshot image.
The video from streamer Yoon Su-jin showing Ulises Bernal making a racist gesture toward her during the World Cup match between South Korea and the Czech Republic on June 12, 2026. Video by Instagram/@incocat_t
