U.S. Soccer bans fans from chanting homophobic slur

The U.S. Soccer Federation is taking a stand against a popular chant that perpetuates homophobia. 

The federation's board of directors voted Friday on a resolution that will adopt a zero-tolerance policy regarding anti-gay chants at all matches hosted or sanctioned in the U.S., including international matches played in the U.S. 

The decision comes just weeks before the U.S. men's national team takes on Mexico in their World Cup qualifying match.  

The use of a particular homophobic phrase has been a problem in Mexican soccer for more than two decades, but it gained worldwide notoriety during the 2014 World Cup.

Mexican national team fans join in unison to shout a Spanish-language homophobic slur ("p*to," which roughly translates to "gay prostitute") when an opposing goalkeeper puts the ball into play on a goal kick.

The Mexico Football Federation (FMF) adopted a similar policy in January with a five-year ban for those who chant.

Nearly two years ago, FIFA, the world governing body for soccer, approved a disciplinary code that allows referees to end matches if fans use chants or display behavior deemed to be homophobic or racist.