Report on Disciplinary Action Against Javier Hernandez in Relation to Sustainable Development Goal 5

1.0 Executive Summary

This report details the disciplinary measures taken against professional footballer Javier Hernandez following public statements that contravene the principles of Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality. The Mexican Football Federation (FMF), in conjunction with national leagues and the player’s club, Chivas, has imposed sanctions, reinforcing a commitment to eliminating discrimination and promoting gender equality within the sport, in alignment with global development agendas.

2.0 Incident Details and Contradiction of SDG 5

Javier Hernandez, via the social media platform TikTok, disseminated remarks that were identified as promoting harmful gender stereotypes. These actions represent a significant departure from the objectives outlined in SDG 5.

• Violation of SDG Target 5.1: The statements, which included assertions that women are “failing” and should “allow yourselves to be led by a man,” directly contribute to the perpetuation of discriminatory attitudes, opposing the goal to “end all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere.”
• Undermining SDG Target 5.5: By promoting notions of male leadership as a default, the comments undermine the principle of ensuring “women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic and public life.”

3.0 Institutional Response and Commitment to SDGs

Multiple institutions responded to the incident, demonstrating a collective effort to uphold the principles of gender equality and build strong, accountable institutions as per SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).

1. Mexican Football Federation (FMF): The FMF, along with Mexico’s top men’s and women’s leagues, initiated an investigation through its Gender and Diversity Commission. This body fined Hernandez and issued a formal warning, establishing a clear framework to prevent and punish behaviour that is incongruent with SDG 5.
2. Government of Mexico: President Claudia Sheinbaum publicly commented on the matter, stating the player “still has a lot to learn” regarding his views on women, signaling high-level governmental support for gender equality.
3. Chivas Football Club: The club declared the comments “contrary to the principles and values” of the organization and confirmed that “appropriate action” had been taken internally, aligning its corporate conduct with broader social responsibility goals.

4.0 Subject’s Professional History

Javier Hernandez is a high-profile figure in international football, which amplifies the impact of his conduct. His career includes tenures at several major clubs:

• Chivas (initial tenure)
• Manchester United
• Real Madrid
• Bayer Leverkusen
• West Ham United
• Sevilla
• Los Angeles Galaxy
• Chivas (current tenure)

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article primarily addresses issues related to the following Sustainable Development Goals:

• SDG 5: Gender Equality

  This is the most relevant SDG, as the article’s central theme is the condemnation of sexist remarks made by a public figure. The comments by Javier Hernandez, described as “promoting sexist stereotypes that are considered media violence and go against gender equality in sport,” directly challenge the principles of this goal. The response from the Mexican Football Federation (FMF), his club, and the country’s president underscores a commitment to combating gender inequality.

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  This goal is relevant because the article highlights the role of institutions in upholding justice and non-discriminatory principles. The FMF, through its “Gender and Diversity Commission,” and the Chivas football club are shown acting as strong institutions by investigating the incident, imposing a fine, and warning the player. This demonstrates an institutional mechanism to “prevent and punish this behaviour” and enforce non-discriminatory policies.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the following specific targets can be identified:

1. SDG 5: Gender Equality

   • Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere.

     The article connects directly to this target as Hernandez’s comments—stating that women are “failing” and should “allow yourselves to be led by a man”—are a form of discrimination based on “sexist stereotypes.” The actions taken against him are efforts to end such discriminatory behavior.

   • Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres.

     The article explicitly states that Hernandez’s remarks are “considered media violence.” This directly aligns with the target’s aim to eliminate all forms of violence against women, including non-physical types like media violence that perpetuate harmful norms.

   • Target 5.c: Adopt and strengthen sound policies and enforceable legislation for the promotion of gender equality.

     The response from the FMF and Mexico’s top leagues, which initiated an investigation through a “Gender and Diversity Commission” to “prevent and punish this behaviour,” exemplifies the adoption and strengthening of policies within an organization to promote gender equality in sport.

2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

   • Target 16.b: Promote and enforce non-discriminatory laws and policies for sustainable development.

     The actions taken by the FMF and the Chivas club represent the enforcement of non-discriminatory policies. The club stated the comments were “contrary to the principles and values” of the organization and took “appropriate action,” while the FMF issued a fine and a warning, thereby enforcing its rules against discriminatory conduct.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article mentions and implies several indicators that can be used to measure progress:

• Existence of institutional frameworks to address gender discrimination: The article mentions the FMF and Mexico’s top leagues have a “Gender and Diversity Commission,” which serves as an indicator of a formal structure established to handle issues of gender inequality in sport.
• Application of sanctions for discriminatory acts: Progress can be measured by the actions taken against perpetrators. The article specifies that Hernandez was “fined and warned about his future conduct,” and his club took “appropriate action.” These are concrete indicators of policy enforcement.
• Public and political condemnation of sexism: The article notes the “backlash in Mexico” and the specific criticism from President Claudia Sheinbaum. This public and high-level political response serves as an informal indicator of societal intolerance towards sexism, measuring a shift in social norms.
• Commitment to strengthening preventative measures: The FMF’s statement that it will “take more severe measures in the event of a repeat offence” is an indicator of a commitment to progressively strengthening policies and their enforcement to prevent future incidents.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: bbc.com