FIFA president threatened Russian sanctions because of problems with racism – RBC

FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter has expressed concern at the increasing manifestations of racism in Russian football, according to A P. He said that if these problems are not solved with respect to the RFU may be sanctioned. What kind of sanctions is in question, Blatter did not elaborate.

In late January, the organization “Football Against Racism in Europe» ( FARE) published jointly with the Moscow information and analytical center “OWL” Report on Racism and Xenophobia in Russian football.

There have been detailed 200 incidents of racism and xenophobia in the Russian stadiums and their limits over the past two seasons. In the report, including, were 72 cases where fans showed neo-Nazi symbols, and 22 episodes of discrimination of citizens of Caucasian origin.

Blatter said on the eve of the World Cup to be held in Russia in 2018 The problem of racism cause him serious concerns.

«I am aware of that report – says the president of FIFA. – We are very concerned about this issue ».

Since 2013, FIFA has introduced new practices in combating racism in football. A team whose fans are systematically abused footballers racist, may be subject to disqualification.

 

«Of course, the fight against racism needs education program. We are actively working on these issues – said Blatter. – However, if the situation does not change, we are ready to impose sanctions. The problem of racism is constantly on the agenda. Unfortunately, racism in different corners of the globe, we have to face every day ».

 

At the beginning of February, the Committee of the RFU Ethics found no evidence of its alleged attacker Petersburg “Zenith” Hulk that referee Alex Matyunin insulted him racist.

«direct evidence on racial insults Hulk basis by Matyunina not. The Committee strongly condemns all manifestations of racism in our football and calls upon all concerned authorities and parties to actively combat these phenomena “, – quotes the chairman of the ethics committee of the RFU Vladimir Lukin« R-Sport ».

Box # 251823

After the match, the 15th round of the championship of Russia between” Mordovia “and” Zenith » ( 1: 0) in November last year, the best scorer of the St. Petersburg club gave an interview to the Brazilian told Reuters, in which he accused the Chief Justice meeting between Alexey Matyunina racism .

«I went up to the referee to talk to him. Touched his shoulder, as usually do, but he turned to me and said haughtily, so I did not touch him. I asked him questions, and he began to get nervous. In the heat, I asked him: “Are you a racist?” He replied: “I do not like, like all black,” – said the Hulk.

Also, resonant became the November incident involving Igor Gamuly, at the time headed “Rostov”. Mentor was banned for five matches of the championship of Russia for racist remarks that followed the games of the 12th round with “Ural» ( 1: 0)

The coach said that several players of his team are sick, and jokingly suggested that they may have been infected with the Ebola virus. In addition, when asked about the reasons Gamuly presence on the podium Cameroonians Benoit Angbva, he said that the team have enough “black players».

These words caused a sharp reaction from the English-speaking media. A variety of publications in their articles noted that irresponsible to make such statements. Emphasis was placed on the fact that the coach is afraid to invite a team of players with black skin, hinting apparently racist tone in the words of a specialist.

Sam Gamula explained that the British did not understand Russian humor. However, the South African football “Rostov” Siyanda Ksulu refused to train with the team of statements coach.

Box # 251824

In November 2014 FIFA Adviser on Racism Tokyo Seksvale expressed fears that Russia in the organization of the World Cup in 2018 could face a boycott of the tournament by black players.

South African himself opposed the boycott of the 2018 World Cup, but has advised Russian President Vladimir Putin to toughen the fight against racism in the national football.

«There are serious concerns that black players refuse to travel to Russia for the 2018 World Cup – said Seksvale, a former prisoner of apartheid. – I speak as a representative of FIFA, as a citizen of the world. This can not be tolerated. If you do not fight racism with all the cruelty, the event will grow like a snowball ».

The official FIFA named Putin as his personal friend and spoke directly to him to urgently intervene and restore order.

«It’s time to show their leadership skills, the ability to make tough decisions. Show themselves by Putin, whom the whole world knows – quoted Seksvale AR. – Failure to combat racism can lead to irreversible consequences. We can not exclude that black players really refuse to come to Russia ».

SOGAZ Russian Championship, Mordovia – Zenith, 2014/15. Vlasov, Goal, 1-0