Did LACF Member Use Derogatory Term Against Colorado Rapids Player? Investigation Underway`

A governing body for association football is investigating an incident during the match Tuesday, February 25, between the Colorado Rapids and the Los Angeles Football Club. During the closing minutes of the game (which Colorado lost, 1-0), LAFC’s Sergi Palencia allegedly called Colorado Rapids player Chidozie Awaziem a derogatory term.

"Yeah, there was an incident that happened on the field," Chris Armas, the Colorado Rapids head coach, said during a post-match press conference. "Our player Chidozie Awaziem was pretty clear and upset about a derogatory term that he said was clear about what was said."

In December, the Rapids acquired the Nigerian soccer player, along with along with fellow defender Ian Murphy, from FC Cincinnati. The day after the incident, Awaziem released a statement on Instagram saying that he had never before encountered abusive language during a match and was grateful for the support he's received from his teammate and the Rapids organization.

“CONCACAF has been clear with its ‘What’s Wrong is Wrong’ campaign that discrimination has no place in our sport. As players, we need to know that these standards are upheld and that we’re protected on the field,” Awaziem said. “My hope is that the governing bodies of the sport continue to hold players and fans accountable for discriminatory language in order to create an environment that protects and respects players of all races and cultural backgrounds.”

The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football is one of FIFA's six continental governing bodies for association football. On February 26, ESPN reported that "CONCACAF has initiated an investigation into a reported incident between players Chidozie Awaziem of Colorado Rapids and Sergi Palencia of Los Angeles FC during last night's CONCACAF Champions Cup match. The investigation will involve a thorough review of the match officials' reports, available match footage, and the respective positions of both clubs."

The Rapids released a statement saying that the team supports CONCACAF’s investigation: “As a club, we do not tolerate any form of abuse, and we stand with our players following these very serious allegations. This language has no place in our game."

LAFC also released a statement that day, saying it will fully cooperate with CONCACAF. “LAFC is a club for all and stands against hate in any form. We have spoken with our player about the reported incident and will continue to respect the investigative process,” LAFC said.