Marco Curto Receives 10-Match Ban for Racist Abuse of Hwang Hee-chan

Como player Marco Curto has been handed a 10-match ban by FIFA for racially abusing Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Hwang Hee-chan during a pre-season friendly in Marbella in July. The incident occurred in the second half of the match, leading to Wolves’ Daniel Podence being sent off for retaliating against Curto. Following the match, Wolves reported the incident to the Italian Football Association and UEFA, though UEFA stated it could not take action as it was not a UEFA-sanctioned game.

In response to the incident, the Korean Football Association intervened and referred the matter to FIFA, which subsequently found Curto guilty of discriminatory behavior. As part of his punishment, five of the ten matches are suspended for a two-year probation period, and Curto is required to complete community service and undergo training with an organization approved by FIFA. Curto, who had recently helped Como gain promotion to Serie A, was loaned to Cesena shortly after the incident.

Wolves' director of football operations, Matt Wild, expressed gratitude for the support from the Football Association throughout the process, emphasizing that the suspension sends a clear message against racism in football and society. He reaffirmed Wolves' commitment to fostering an inclusive environment and taking a firm stand against discrimination in any form.