President of Mexican engineering guild apologises for racist gesture during South Korea World Cup match

The president of a Mexican engineering guild publicly apologised on Jun. 14, 2026, after he had earlier made a racist gesture during a World Cup match between South Korea and the Czech Republic.

He was seen making a slant-eye gesture in a video that has since circulated online.

Captured in Instagram video

Held in Mexico on Jun. 11, the match was attended by a Korean YouTuber who is also known as "inocat_t" on Instagram.

In the video she posted, a man could be seen making the racist gesture at the camera.

Mexican media outlet Politico MX later identified him to be Ulises Fernando Bernal Miramontes, president of the College of Geomatics and Topographic Surveying Engineers of the State of Jalisco (CITGEJ).

Apology, removed from office

After the video sparked public backlash, Maeil Business reported that Bernal publicly apologised via an Instagram video.

He said: "I sincerely regret everything this situation has caused."

He added that he has "taken time to reflect on what happened" and understands "the responsibility" he has "at this moment".

Noting that he was not trying to justify himself, he added: "I am here to acknowledge that this situation has caused discomfort and to express my most sincere apologies in a clear and respectful manner."

In light of his actions, Bernal will be "removed from office", a CITGEJ spokesperson told New York Post.

The spokesperson added: "We are deeply saddened by what is happening regarding this incident."

Internal review

On Jun. 13, CITGEJ had earlier issued a statement addressing the incident.

Noting that the matter would be internally reviewed, it was also reported that "clarifications" will continue to be issued: "We trust the acting president will, in a personal capacity, provide the clarifications he deems appropriate, contributing to the proper clarification of the facts."

The statement emphasised that the guild was committed to "promoting a culture of respect, hospitality and healthy coexistence for all people."

Prevent similar incidents

The Korea Herald reported that Seo Kyoung Duk, a Sungkyunkwan University professor, had condemned the incident and urged Bernal to formally apologise.

He also called on FIFA to take measures that would prevent similar incidents.

"It is unimaginable that something like this would happen at the World Cup, an event where the global community joins together as one, regardless of race and nationality," he added.