World Cup 2018 hosts Russia fined for fan racism by FIFA

FIFA have hit World Cup hosts Russia with a £22,000 fine after racist chants were aimed at France players during an international friendly in March.

Monkey chants were aimed at French players during the fixture in St. Petersburg, which the visitors won 3-1.

Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe, Barcelona’s Ousmane Dembele and Manchester United’s Paul Pogba were among those targeted.

It is the third time this season that a racism charge has been called by governing bodies following incidents in the stadium, which is one of the leading venues for this summer’s World Cup.

The 2018 World Cup finals start in Russia in just over one month’s time.

Russia have faced similar charges at the last two European Championships, resulting in the Russian Football Union paying a fine.

The St. Petersburg stadium’s regular tenants, Zenit, were twice charged by UEFA earlier this season for racism.

The second said case, relating to a Europa League game against Leipzig, will be heard by UEFA two weeks before the World Cup begins.

The stadium will host a semi-final, as well as multiple group games, this summer.

Russia will face off against Saudi Arabia in the opening game of the World Cup in Moscow, before returning to St. Petersburg for their clash with Egypt.

England do not have a fixture scheduled at the venue, but could head there for the semi-finals.

World Cup 2018 matches being played at St. Petersburg Stadium

Friday, June 15: Morocco vs Iran (Group B), 4pm

Tuesday, June 19: Russia vs Egypt (Group A), 7pm

Friday, June 22: Brazil vs Costa Rica (Group E), 1pm

Tuesday, June 26: Nigeria vs Argentina (Group D), 7pm

Tuesday, July 3: Last 16 – 1F v 2E 3pm (Match 55)

Tuesday, July 10: Semi-final – Winner match 57 v winner match 58, 7pm

Saturday, July 14: Third place play-off, 3pm

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