FIFA investigating allegation of racist abuse towards iShowSpeed by Argentina fan at World Cup

FIFA has confirmed it is investigating an allegation of racist abuse directed at YouTuber IShowSpeed during last Friday’s (3 July) World Cup match between Argentina and Cape Verde.

The streamer, whose real name is Darren Watkins Jr., has been a familiar face during the tournament, pulling huge crowds wherever he goes as he livestreams from matches and chats with fans.

But one exchange he had with an Argentina supporter has now prompted a FIFA investigation after footage of the incident went viral.

In the clip, Speed, 21, is seen speaking with a group of Argentina fans before one supporter appears to to tell him in Spanish to "go cry to the zoo," according to the Associated Press.

The remark, directed at the Black streamer, sparked widespread backlash online, with many viewers alleging the Argentina fan had made a racist remark.

FIFA confirmed on Tuesday (7 July) that it would be looking into what happened.

In a statement, the organisation said it was aware of the footage and had opened an investigation, adding that it "strongly condemns all forms of racism and discrimination."

The organisation stated: "These actions have no place in football, at the FIFA World Cup, or anywhere in society... 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 manner that undermines these values is not welcome in our game."

Since the clip went viral and sparked uproar, the Argentina supporter in the clip has responded to the backlash.

Posting to X, the fan denied the allegations that he made a racist comment toward Speed, insisting that the video of the incident didn't show the full exchange and his words had been taken out of context.

Speed has yet to publicly respond to FIFA's decision to investigate the incident.

LADbible has contacted Watkins Jr. for a comment.

The streamer, who has a combined social media following of well over 140 million across YouTube, Instagram and TikTok, has become one of the World Cup’s biggest attractions away from the pitch.

A lifelong football fan, Speed regularly livestreams with some of the sport's biggest stars, including his idol Cristiano Ronaldo, earning him millions of views.

It's exactly the kind of exposure FIFA will be hoping to encourage as it looks to engage younger fans, making the investigation into the alleged incident all the more significant.

For now, FIFA has not said when its investigation is expected to conclude or whether any disciplinary action might follow.

The governing body has repeatedly stressed that it operates a zero-tolerance approach to racism and discrimination, so the incident is likely to be reviewed in full before any decision is made.

Until then, the footage continues to circulate online, while the supporter involved maintains he did not racially abuse Speed.