World Cup host Russia is fined for racist chants

With the World Cup just one month ahead, Russia is humiliated by its racist chants, which was fined by FIFA.

“The Russia Football Association was fined 30,000 Swiss francs (some 33 million won) for neglecting its audience chanting racist slogans,” announced FIFA on Wednesday. Russian fans chanted racist slogans directed at French player Paul Pogba during an A-match (national game) held in Saint Petersburg, Russia on March 28.

Pogba led France’s 3-1 win over Russia, contributing one-goal and one-assist. Meanwhile, Russia had tied two games and three defeats, losing face as host country. Such frustrations seem to be the cause behind the rage expressed towards Pogba. Russia has been under sharp international criticism since. Enraged French Minister of Sports Laura Flessel announced a statement, while FIFA continued investigation under its no-toleration principle.


Jae-Hyeng Kim monami@donga.com