XtraTime Web Desk: Russia gets a serious blow ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, as the host country has been punished by FIFA for racism ahead of the gala even in the coming month.
FIFA has announced the Russian football association has been fined 30,000 Swiss francs (£22k) after fans racially abused France players during a friendly in St. Petersburg.
Monkey chants were aimed at several black players, including Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba, during France’s 3-1 win in March.
FIFA says its disciplinary panel noted “the gravity of the incident but also the limited number of fans involved.”
FIFA says the panel, chaired by judge Anin Yeboah of Ghana, made a “thorough investigation including the review of video evidence.”
The stadium in St. Petersburg will host seven World Cup games, including Russia’s Group A game against Egypt and a semi-final match.
The case follows racism charges by Uefa against Zenit St. Petersburg in two Europa League games this season.