Sports · Football · 2 hrs ago
Ireland-England Under-15 World Cup match abandoned after racism allegation
The Republic of Ireland led England 4-1 in an Under-15 World Cup match in Baku, Azerbaijan.
After an on-field altercation, an England player reported an alleged racist remark by an Irish player.
England's players left the pitch, and the referee abandoned the match.
The Irish player is understood to have denied the accusation and said he used a different word.
FIFA is gathering official reports before referring the case to its independent Disciplinary Committee, which will decide what happens next.
The tournament is being played for the first time and involves 189 countries and territories.
Both teams were scheduled to play again that day, with England facing Zimbabwe and Ireland taking on Cambodia.
The Under-15 World Cup match between the Republic of Ireland and England was abandoned after an allegation that an Irish player made a racist remark.
England’s players left the pitch in the 41st minute, with Ireland leading 4-1.
An England coach told the referee, “We are reporting racism,” and said the players did not want to continue.
The Irish player is understood to have denied the accusation, saying he used a different word.
Fifa said it would refer the matter to its independent Disciplinary Committee.
- Who
- The Republic of Ireland and England Under-15 teams.
- What
- The match was abandoned after an allegation that an Irish player made a racist remark. The player is understood to have denied it.
- When
- Monday, 26 October 2026.
- Where
- Baku, Azerbaijan.
- Why
- An England player made a complaint to coaching staff after an on-field altercation.
England team
Irish player
Alleged remark
England team
England reported an allegation of racism after a player complained to coaching staff.
Irish player
The Irish player is understood to have denied the accusation, saying he used a different word.
Continuing the match
England team
England’s players refused to continue and left the pitch.
Irish player
Not stated.
An altercation followed a tackle during the Group C match in Baku, with Ireland leading 4-1.
An England player approached the bench and made a complaint to coaching staff.
England’s players left the pitch, and the referee abandoned the match.
Fifa said it would gather official reports and refer the matter to its independent Disciplinary Committee.
- Score when play stopped
- Ireland led 4-1
- Match location
- Baku, Azerbaijan
- Walk-off
- 41st minute
- Tournament size
- 189 countries and territories
- Match format
- Eight-a-side, with 20-minute halves
3 sources
What people are saying
We are reporting racism
We do not want to play