Zimpapers Logo

FIFA president Sepp Blatter says he is concerned by the findings of a study into the scale of racism in Russia before it hosts the 2018 World Cup.

A report by the Fare network and Sova Centre highlights more than 200 cases of discriminatory behaviour linked to Russian football over two seasons.

“I’m aware of the report — sure we are concerned, definitely,” Blatter told Associated Press.

In 2014, he asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to tackle racism.

The Fare network is an organisation which works to combat racism in the game for European football’s governing body Uefa, while the Moscow-based Sova Centre conducts research on nationalism and racism.

Fare executive director Piara Powar told Associated Press that the research, conducted between May 2012 and May 2014 and published on Friday, “shows a really quite gruesome picture of a domestic league which is full of aspects of racism, xenophobia”.

Blatter spoke last July to Putin about the need to prioritise the tackling of racism, but there have been more cases, including in Champions League matches.

In October, Manchester City played their Champions League group game at CSKA Moscow behind closed doors because the Russian club was being punished for a series of offences, including racist chanting.

“Racism is one of the items which is on my agenda on the very top, every day. If it doesn’t stop then there must be some sanctions,” Blatter said.

“We’ve started a big education program with them. They’re aware of the situation.” —BBC Sport