Rio Ferdinand Condemns FIFA's Handling of Racism

by Jon Azpiri | October 9, 2008 at 01:29 pm

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Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand spoke out against FIFA's attempts to curb racism at soccer matches. Ferdinand criticized FIFA's handling of racist taunts by Croatian fans during England's 4-1 victory in a World Cup qualifier in Zagreb. According to the England vice-captain, the £15,000 fine levied upon Croatian Football Association was a slap on the wrist.

"The football authorities need to take a look at themselves."

Ferdinand, speaking ahead of England's World Cup qualifiers against Kazakhstan and Belarus, added: "Croatia were fined a few thousand quid. What's that going to do? That is not going to stop people shouting racist or homophobic abuse.

"(Fifa president) Sepp Blatter likes to speak up about things that are good for Fifa's image but I would love to see them stand up and dish out the right punishments for these incidents.

"If things like this keep happening you have to take points off them. Then the punters will realise the team is going to be punished."