Mexican trade group leader fired after clip of him making racist gesture towards South Korean influencer at FIFA World Cup goes viral

× Ulises Bernal, a Mexican trade group leader, has been removed from his position following a viral video in which he was seen making a racist, slanted-eye gesture behind a South Korean influencer during a FIFA World Cup match. Ad On Saturday, a South Korean lady, identified on social media as Ino Cat, shared a video of herself having a moment in the stands at Guadalajara Stadium during South Korea’s 2026 FIFA World Cup opener against Czechia. In the footage, several Mexico fans were behind her screaming in excitement and making hand gestures.

In what left Ino Cat looking dejected, Mexican fan Bernal made the slanted-eye gesture, an action considered a racial abuse and offensive to people of Asian descent. Ad Trending “I came all the way to Mexico to watch the World Cup... Am I being too sensitive?

POV: You traveled across the world for the World Cup… and experienced racism..🌎⚽️💔,” she captioned her Instagram post.

The College of Geomatics and Topographic Surveying Engineers of the State of Jalisco (CITGEJ), the organisation where Bernal had been president, subsequently issued a statement, saying it would internally review the matter. In the latest development from The New York Post, a CITGEJ spokesperson said Bernal would be relieved of his duties. Ad “We are deeply saddened by what is happening regarding this incident,” the spokesperson told New York Post.

When the outlet asked if Bernal would face any punishment, they said ‘the Honor and Justice Committee is meeting this same day’ and that Bernal would be ‘removed from office.’ Bernal apologises for racist ‘slant-eye’ at FIFA World Cup In a show of remorse, Bernal has apologised for his offensive gesture at Guadalajara Stadium. The Mexican's apology came two days after the incident.

He directed his apology to the South Korean lady and took responsibility for his action. Ad “I would like to address all of you directly and personally, especially @inocat_t. Over the past few days, a video has circulated online and generated a wide range of reactions.

For that reason, I believe it is important to offer a public apology. I sincerely regret everything this situation has caused. I have taken time to reflect on what happened and I understand the responsibility I have in this moment,” he wrote.

Ad “I am not here to justify myself or to debate different interpretations. I am here to acknowledge that this situation has caused discomfort and to express my most sincere apologies in a clear and respectful manner. Throughout my personal and professional life, I have always tried to treat others with respect, and I will continue working to ensure that my actions consistently reflect those values,” he added.

FIFA strictly prohibits racism, with Article 15 of its disciplinary code stating that any racist, discriminatory or derogatory act will be severely punished. × Was this article helpful? Thank You for feedback Quick Links More from Sportskeeda Edited by Ezekiel Olamide Ulises Bernal, a Mexican trade group leader, has been removed from his position following a viral video in which he was seen making a racist, slanted-eye gesture behind a South Korean influencer during a FIFA World Cup match.

Ad On Saturday, a South Korean lady, identified on social media as Ino Cat, shared a video of herself having a moment in the stands at Guadalajara Stadium during South Korea’s 2026 FIFA World Cup opener against Czechia. In the footage, several Mexico fans were behind her screaming in excitement and making hand gestures. In what left Ino Cat looking dejected, Mexican fan Bernal made the slanted-eye gesture, an action considered a racial abuse and offensive to people of Asian descent.

Ad Trending “I came all the way to Mexico to watch the World Cup... Am I being too sensitive? POV: You traveled across the world for the World Cup…

and experienced racism..🌎⚽️💔,” she captioned her Instagram post. The College of Geomatics and Topographic Surveying Engineers of the State of Jalisco (CITGEJ), the organisation where Bernal had been president, subsequently issued a statement, saying it would internally review the matter.

In the latest development from The New York Post, a CITGEJ spokesperson said Bernal would be relieved of his duties. Ad “We are deeply saddened by what is happening regarding this incident,” the spokesperson told New York Post. When the outlet asked if Bernal would face any punishment, they said ‘the Honor and Justice Committee is meeting this same day’ and that Bernal would be ‘removed from office.’

Bernal apologises for racist ‘slant-eye’ at FIFA World Cup In a show of remorse, Bernal has apologised for his offensive gesture at Guadalajara Stadium. The Mexican's apology came two days after the incident. He directed his apology to the South Korean lady and took responsibility for his action.

Ad “I would like to address all of you directly and personally, especially @inocat_t. Over the past few days, a video has circulated online and generated a wide range of reactions. For t