9 Oct 2008

Ferdinand accuses FIFA of soft stance on racism

8:09 am on 9 October 2008

The England football defender Rio Ferdinand has accused FIFA of going soft on racism after failing to deduct points from Croatia for racist behaviour from their fans in a World Cup qualifier last month.

The Croatian Football Federation was fined $44,000 for racist abuse aimed at England's Emile Heskey in Zagreb, but Ferdinand says that's a waste of time, and racial abuse will continue until FIFA back up their words with actions and take points off national teams.

The Croatian Federation was also fined for racist behaviour of their fans during the team's Euro 2008 quarter-final against Turkey in June.