8 Oct 2008Ferdinand slams Fifa over racism punishments

Football Leagues/ Association and Governance

England centre-back Rio Ferdinand has criticised Fifa for their approach to tackling racist abuse among fans, claiming that they are too lenient with punishments.

Emile Heskey was subjected to monkey chants by Croatia fans during England's 4-1 World Cup qualifying victory in Zagreb last month.

The Croatian FA was subsequently fined £15,000 by Fifa, but Manchester United defender Ferdinand has suggested that football's world governing body needs to take a tougher stance.

He said: "Fifa make comments about what they will do but never back it up with actions. The football authorities need to take a look at themselves.

"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."

England players have been subjected to racist abuse on several occasions in recent seasons, particularly during the friendly match with Spain in Madrid last February.

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