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FIFA observers to monitor racism at World Cup qualifiers

LONDON — FIFA is to use observers to watch out for racist incidents at some qualifying matches for the 2018 World Cup and at the 2017 Confederations Cup in Russia.

FIFA announced today (May 12) they will be stepping up efforts to counter racism during matches. Photo: Reuters

FIFA announced today (May 12) they will be stepping up efforts to counter racism during matches. Photo: Reuters

LONDON — FIFA is to use observers to watch out for racist incidents at some qualifying matches for the 2018 World Cup and at the 2017 Confederations Cup in Russia.

It is the latest step by FIFA in the last two years to strengthen the fight against racism in world football.

"I'm very satisfied to see that FIFA is taking this issue very seriously and putting in place concrete measures to stop behaviour which goes against the spirit of our sport," Manchester City and Ivory Coast midfielder Yaya Toure said.

Toure, at the launch of the monitoring system today (May 12), was abused with monkey chants by CSKA Moscow fans in a 2013 Champions League game in the Russian capital. He warned last year that black players could boycott the World Cup if racism at matches was not reduced.

The anti-discrimination Fare network will decide, based on a risk assessment, which qualifying matches require monitoring for racism.

"There is more likely to be racism when England play, when the French team play, or when Germany play," Fare Executive Director Piara Powar said.

FIFA President Sepp Blatter said last month in Moscow there was still a "lot of work to be done" to fight racism in Russia.

A recent report by Fare and another organisation showed there had been more than 200 cases of discriminatory behaviour linked to Russian football over two seasons.

"The new monitoring system is a very concrete measure in order to ensure that football sends a clear message for diversity, and against any form of discrimination," Blatter said in a statement. AP

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