Porto Alegre, Brazil – The Federação Gaúcha de Futebol (FGF), the governing body for football in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, has publicly addressed a reported incident of racism that occurred following the Brasileirão Feminino A1 match between Internacional and Grêmio on Saturday, March 28, 2026. The incident, which took place at the Sesc Protásio Alves stadium in Porto Alegre, is currently under investigation by local authorities.
According to a statement released by the FGF, a member of the Grêmio women’s football team’s entourage was allegedly subjected to racist abuse by an individual identified as a leader of the Torcida Camisa 12, the organized supporters group of Internacional. The alleged incident occurred as the Grêmio team was entering the dressing rooms after the match, which was the fifth round of the Brasileirão Feminino A1 season.
The FGF has confirmed that those involved have been taken to the police station for questioning and the facts are being investigated. The organization has partnered with Odabá – Associação de Afroempreendedorismo to provide support to the alleged victim and is fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation. This partnership underscores the FGF’s commitment to addressing and combating racism within the sport.
“We are attentive to the denunciation of racism that occurred this Saturday,” the FGF stated. “We reinforce our commitment to confronting racism in football and regret that cases like this still occur in Gaúcho stadiums. We reiterate that criminal manifestations will not be tolerated.”
The Brasileirão Feminino A1 is the top tier of women’s football in Brazil, and the Gre-Nal – the rivalry match between Internacional and Grêmio – is one of the most fiercely contested derbies in the country. Incidents of racism, unfortunately, continue to plague football globally, prompting increased scrutiny and calls for stronger preventative measures.
The FGF’s swift response and collaboration with Odabá signal a proactive approach to addressing the issue. The association’s involvement is particularly significant, as Odabá is dedicated to the promotion of Afro-Brazilian entrepreneurship and the fight against racial discrimination. Their expertise will be invaluable in providing support to the victim and ensuring a thorough investigation.
This incident comes amid a broader conversation about racism in Brazilian football. While the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has implemented anti-racism campaigns and protocols, incidents continue to occur, highlighting the need for sustained efforts to address the root causes of discrimination. The “Protocolo Zero” initiative, aimed at eliminating racism from the game, is a key component of these efforts.
The FGF’s statement emphasizes its dedication to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all participants in Gaúcho football. The organization has pledged to continue working diligently to ensure that such incidents are not tolerated and that those responsible are held accountable.
The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge in the coming days. The FGF has assured the public that it will provide updates as they become available. The outcome of the investigation will likely set a precedent for how similar incidents are handled in the future, both within the state of Rio Grande do Sul and potentially across Brazilian football.
The next match in the Brasileirão Feminino A1 for both Internacional and Grêmio is scheduled for April 5, 2026. Internacional will face São Paulo, while Grêmio will play against Palmeiras. The focus will undoubtedly be on ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all attendees, and participants.
Archysport will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as they become available. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and perspectives on this significant issue in the comments section below.
