SBS issues special message about multiculturalism as its World Cup coverage ends - after Pauline Hanson pledged to shut it down and called for a monoculture

By NICHOLAS COMINO, POLITICAL REPORTER, AUSTRALIA Published: 12:27, 20 July 2026 | Updated: 12:44, 20 July 2026 An SBS commentator has sparked debate after delivering an unusually pointed message as the broadcaster finished its coverage of the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. As the network wrapped up its broadcast after Spain's victory on Monday morning, commentator Claudio Fabiano highlighted the tournament's record audience numbers and Australia's passion for football. 'We're also the biggest audiences that we have ever experienced, over 17 million Australians celebrating our national pride in the Socceroos,' he said. Fabiano then signed off by thanking 'the ethnic minorities that make us so special'. The remarks quickly attracted reactions online, with some viewers praising the sentiment, while others questioned his choice of words. 'Extremely strange World Cup sign off from Australian SBS News,' social media figure and Karl Stefanovic Podcast correspondent Drew Pavlou wrote on X. 'This is such a strange turn of phrase.' Other social media users defended Fabiano, saying his message was in line with SBS's multicultural charter. Claudio Fabiano (pictured) signed off thanking 'the ethnic minorities that make us so special' Spain's midfielder #16 Rodri lifts the trophy with his teammates after winning the 2026 World Cup football tournament A general view shows the interior of MetLife Stadium during the 2026 FIFA World Cup final 'SBS were likely trying to celebrate both the Socceroos and the diverse communities who rallied behind them. Big tournaments do bring people together in that way,' one user wrote. The coverage comes just weeks after One Nation leader Pauline Hanson renewed her call to abolish SBS, arguing that the taxpayer-funded broadcaster is not necessary in the internet age. Speaking at the National Press Club last month, Senator Hanson declared SBS would be shut down if One Nation ever formed government. 'The SBS will be gone,' Hanson said. During a subsequent exchange with SBS chief political correspondent Anna Henderson, Hanson defended her proposal to axe the broadcaster. 'You have said you want to abolish SBS,' Henderson told the senator. 'You said in your speech the internet has taken over the need for it, but SBS is providing Australian news in 60 languages, not international news alone.' When Henderson argued SBS's multilingual services help migrants integrate into Australian society, Hanson dismissed the point. Hanson (pictured) said that she would shut down the SBS if One Nation formed government 'You're going to be without a job. So anyway, I can understand that,' she replied. Pressed on whether helping migrants integrate was part of her platform, Hanson argued Australia should impose stronger English-language requirements. 'I want them to be able to learn to speak English before they get here, to get their citizenship, and that will help them assimilate into our society because 872,000 people said they speak very little English or none at all,' she said. Hanson then reiterated her opposition to multiculturalism, and her controversial 'monocultural' stance. 'We are a monocultural nation,' she said. 'Not multicultural, and our language is English, and that will help people actually be able to go out there and get a job.' Daily Mail has contacted SBS for comment.