Blatter urges tougher penalties on racism as Webb meets Toure
LONDON: FIFA president Sepp has reiterated the need for tougher sanctions to be used to combat racism, arguing that fines are not an effective deterrent.
Speaking at the FA’s 150th anniversary gala dinner on Saturday, he said: “We need to eliminate teams from a competition or deduct points. Only by such decisions is it possible to go against racism and discrimination. If we don’t do that it will go on and go on. We have to stop it; we need the courage to do it.”
The issue has been reignited in recent days after UEFA opened an investigation into complaints by Manchester City’s Yaya Toure that he was racially abused by CSKA Moscow fans.
Jeffrey Webb, chairman of the FIFA Task Force Against Racism and Discrimination, met Toure after City’s match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge to discuss the incident. Events at the Champions League the are sure to be on the agenda when FIFA secretary-general Jerome Valcke visits Russia 2018 World Cup organisers in Moscow this week.
Blatter continued: “It has been decided by the FIFA congress that it is a nonsense for racism to be dealt with with fines. You can always find money from somebody to pay them. It is a nonsense to have matches played without spectators because it is against the spirit of football and against the visiting team. It is all nonsense.
“We can do something better to fight racism and discrimination. This is one of the villains we have today in our game. But it is only with harsh sanctions that racism and discrimination can be washed out of football.”
His speech was given in front of 320 guests, largely from the the English game, and was keen to cover the heritage that has been accrued since the first football association was formed, recalling former and current figures from Stanley Matthews to current England coach Roy Hodgson.
Some of the great administrators were paid respect to as well, including former FIFA President and FA Chairman Stanley Rous. “During his time as FIFA President, Rous witnessed the crowning of England as Champions of the World in 1966. Sir Stanley will always be remembered for a major role in rewriting the Laws of the Game in 1938, making them simpler and easier to understand.
“FIFA’s 208 other associations are grateful for the outstanding achievements of the FA for the last 150 years. We hope that the FA continues to maintain this beautiful game, a game that is the tool for hope, for fair play and for respect around the world.”
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