ZURICH: World football federation FIFA has fined World Cup host Russia with a £22,000 fine because of racist chants were aimed at France players during an international friendly in March.

Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe, Barcelona’s Ousmane Dembele and Manchester United’s Paul Pogba were among those targeted in St Petersburg during the visitors’ 3-1 victory.

Russia has been fined over similar charges at the last two European Championships and three racist chant cases have erupted this season in St Petersburg.

Home club Zenit were charged twice by UEFA earlier this season with the second case, relating to a Europa League game against Leipzig, due to be considered by UEFA two weeks before the World Cup begins next month.

St Petersburg will host one semi-final as well as group games which include Russia’s second outing against Egypt.

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