City
Epaper

FIFA president vows to take tough measures against racism

By IANS | Updated: October 18, 2019 09:25 IST

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has reaffirmed his organisation's commitment to eliminate racism, saying it has no place in football.

Open in App

"We need to send strong messages, that if there are racists that abuse the soccer players we have to stop the game... We cannot let the racists win," Efe news quoted Infantino as saying in a press conference held here on Thursday.

"There is no place for racism in society and there is no place for racism in soccer," the 49-year-old Swiss head of the world soccer governing entity said.

Infantino, who came to the Bangladeshi capital on a short goodwill trip, was reacting to the recent incidents in European soccer play such as in Sofia during the qualifying match for the European Championship 2020 between Bulgaria and England.

The Bulgarian police arrested four soccer fans over racist actions during England's 6-0 win against Bulgaria in Sofia, the country's interior ministry reported Wednesday.

Bulgaria's Prime Minister Boyko Borissov was among others to condemn the prejudiced and racially charged chants from some fans during his country's loss to England.

"We have to speak about it (racism), we have to educate, we have to educate our youths, our children and those who are a bit older as well," Infantino said.

The FIFA President ruled out any concerns the governing organization had of stadiums going empty in the next World Cup in 2022 in Qatar following a recent lack of interest in sporting activities during the Athletics World Championship played in the Persian Gulf country.

"The tournament (World Cup) will actually be played in November-December, (November 21 till December 18) which is different compared to the Athletics World Championship, which was organised in September," he pointed out.

Infantino stated that the temperatures in November-December in Qatar were "ideal" for soccer, adding that players would be also at the top of their form in that time period.

"It is not like in June and July when they come exhausted from a very long season.

"I am sure in Qatar we will witness, from a technical point of view, the very best World Cup ever," he added.

( With inputs from IANS )

Tags: InfantinoBulgariaenglandQatarSofia
Open in App

Related Stories

CricketRohit Sharma Might Opt Out for England Tour, Virat Kohli Will Take His Spot

CricketSA vs ENG, Champions Trophy 2025: South Africa Bowl Out England for 179 as Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder Shine

CricketAiden Markram Suffers Hamstring Injury, Ruled Out of Ongoing South Africa vs England Champions Trophy 2025 Match

Cricket“Inspired Generations to…”: Ibrahim Zadran Thanks Sachin Tendulkar for His Praise After Afghanistan’s Historic Win Over England in Champions Trophy 2025

CricketMassive Celebrations in Afghanistan After Historic Win Over England in Champions Trophy 2025, Fans Perform Bike Stunts & Burst Firecrackers (VIDEO)

फुटबॉल Realted Stories

FootballJamshedpur FC knock NorthEast United out in Kalinga Super Cup quarter-finals after sudden death

FootballLiverpool becomes Premier League champions for 2024-25 season

FootballChhangte's strike puts Mumbai City FC in Kalinga Super Cup semi-finals

Football"My desire is to return to Mohun Bagan, but it's not in my hands": Mumbai City FC's Prabir Das

FootballKounde's late strike leaves Real Madrid gobsmacked as Barcelona lift Copa del Rey title with nail-biting 3-2 win