World Cup 2018 referees given power to abandon matches over racist incidents

Zero tolerance | Fifa have taken the 'appropriate measure in the preparation process', says president Gianni Infantino
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Simon Johnson7 June 2018

Fifa president Gianni Infantino today revealed referees could abandon matches at the World Cup should any racist abuse take place.

Fifa have come under a lot of scrutiny for their handling of the issue in the past, but Infantino claims that the world governing body have strong plans in place should anything occur, including giving match officials the power to end a contest.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “I wouldn’t say that we are concerned about discrimination, human rights and security but we take them very seriously, We have taken appropriate measure in the preparation process and the lead up to the World Cup.

“We will have clear procedures in place in place to fight it, including a three-step process for referees who can stop, suspend or even abandon a match in case of discrimination.

“We have a monitoring system and then immediate sanctions if something happens.

“We obviously wish that doesn’t happen and everyone has been warned that if it happens there will be serious consequences.”

Rose, who was racially abused while playing for the England Under-21s in Serbia six years ago, has been left furious at Fifa’s inaction before.

Russia were fined a mere £22,000 - a sum Rose dismissed as ‘laughable’ - by the governing body despite their fans being found guilty of racist taunting during a friendly against France in March.

In contrast, the English Football Association were fined £35,000 for wearing poppies in a friendly against Scotland in 2016.

Rose revealed that England players had discussed the possibility of walking off the pitch but admitted they’re still not sure what they will do in those circumstances.

England coach Gareth Southgate has appeared to suggest though that he will encourage the squad to see the game out.

He added: “In an idealistic world, people would say to walk off the pitch but that means we would be thrown out of the tournament, which many people would agree with.

“I don’t think the players would want that because they have worked all their lives to play at a World Cup. It is important to get the balance right but it will be tough to please everybody.”

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