Chivas striker Javier 'Chicharito' Hernández fined, given warning as Mexican Football Federation launches investigation into sexist social media posts

Javier “Chicharito” Hernández, striker for Chivas, has been fined by the Gender and Diversity Commission of the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) for comments he made on social media.

“A few days ago on the social media platform TikTok, player Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernández made statements that promote sexist stereotypes, which are considered a form of media violence and go against gender equality in sports. For this reason, the FMF’s Gender and Diversity Commission has launched an investigation to prevent and sanction this type of behavior,” the federation said in a statement.

“As a result, a financial fine and a formal warning have been issued to Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernández, with the understanding that the Commission will take stricter action in the event of a repeat offense."

Chicharito has come under criticism in Mexico in recent days following the controversial comments he made on social media. The backlash reached the highest political level on Wednesday, when Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum addressed the issue during a news conference:

“Chicharito is a very good footballer,” Sheinbaum said. “But when it comes to his views on women… he still has a lot to learn.”

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid striker did not feature in Chivas' Apertura 2025 opener against León, although he was on the bench.

Over the weekend, he posted: "Don’t be afraid to be women, to allow yourselves to be led by a man. Women, you are failing, you are eradicating masculinity, making society hypersensitive.”

The red and whites issued a statement distancing themselves from the remarks made by the 37-year-old veteran:

"The recent messages posted on social media represent an individual stance and do not reflect the principles and values of our institution. The club has taken the appropriate actions in accordance with its internal regulations. As an institution with a deep sense of social responsibility, we firmly reject any behavior, stance, or expression that reinforces stereotypes which limit the freedom, respect, and full development of all individuals, both within and beyond the realm of sport."

Chivas will host Atlético de San Luis Saturday as part of Week 3 of the Apertura 2025.