FIFA to investigate racist abuse allegations

FIFA have launched a disciplinary investigation into complaints that England striker Emile Heskey was subjected to racist abuse during last week’s World Cup qualifier in Croatia.

The Football Association in England have formally complained to FIFA about the racism and after receiving the documents yesterday the game’s world governing body will now investigate.

FIFA said in a statement: “FIFA can confirm that it has received an official request from the FA yesterday evening to investigate allegations of racist chanting at the Croatia vs England qualification match for the 2010 FIFA World Cup played in Zagreb on September 10 2008. FIFA has opened a disciplinary procedure to look into this matter.”

It is only three months since UEFA fined Croatia’s football federation nearly €12,500 over the racist behaviour of some of the team’s fans during the Euro 2008 match with Turkey.

UEFA imposed the fine after the Croatia fans were found guilty of “displaying a racist banner and showing racist conduct”.