Blatter queries UEFA sanctions

FIFA president Sepp Blatter says he plans to talk to UEFA counterpart Michel Platini about the punishments handed out to the Serbian Football Association.

Last Updated: 15/12/12 at 12:20 Post Comment

Sepp Blatter: FIFA president urges zero tolerance on racism in football

Sepp Blatter: FIFA president urges zero tolerance on racism in football

Concerns have already been raised that the sanctions meted out in response to the racist and violent abuse towards England U21 players during a match between the two sides were too lenient.

An independent UEFA disciplinary panel has ordered that Serbia's U21 side must play one match in front of no spectators while the Serbian FA was fined £65,000 following the incidents in Krusevac.

Platini has already hinted that he will appeal against the ruling while Blatter, speaking at a press conference in Japan, also voiced his concerns about the message the punishments send.

Blatter said: "I just learned yesterday what the (Serbia) decision was and I'm sure we will also take it up with UEFA at the level of governance, that there should be in all football, with every confederation and all national associations strong, harsh punishment when it comes to racism and discrimination.

"I will take up a discussion with the president of UEFA but I don't know if he has an influence on his disciplinary committee."

There have been comparisons drawn with the case of Nicklas Bendtner, whose fine for wearing a sponsor's logo at the European Championship was greater than the one imposed on the Serbian FA.

"I cannot intervene in the disciplinary committee of UEFA. Read between the lines and you have the answer," Blatter said when asked about that matter.

"I don't know the details of the file which has been dealt with by UEFA's disciplinary committee, only on FIFA's stance against racism and discrimination which is zero tolerance," he said.

"We will ask for details of the file but I repeat we have it in our organisation that there must be very, very strong punishment."

Football365 Facebook Fan Page

The Football365 fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

T

he day Tonys hat goes missing for some bantz will be different story altogether..

TheBrestEver
Stoke probe 'banter gone wild'

I

m starting to think Roman may never actually be happy at the top level. If he wants all conquering fancy football I wonder if he'd be better off buying a lower division side then paying outlandish salaries to attract high caliber players too good for the division.

john matrix
The Most Unsatisfying European Victory...

R

afa has to be favourite for the Everton job now, surely :) He'll realise his ambition to live and work on Merseyside again, get the best out of whoever plays for them, maybe win some cups and be thoroughly loathed by the toffee fans. What's not to like? Go ead, Ken, gimajob!

captbusby
Benitez basks in final glory

Footer 365

Alan Pardew confident he will still be Newcastle manager next season

Alan Pardew is 'pretty confident' he will stay as Newcastle manager after ending the season with a defeat by Arsenal.

Michael Owen had mixed emotions after his final appearance for Stoke

Retiring Stoke striker Michael Owen admitted he had mixed emotions after his final appearance for the club.

Premier League: Paul Lambert says 'something is happening' at Aston Villa

Paul Lambert refused to answer questions about the future of Darren Bent following Aston Villa's 2-2 draw at Wigan.

Mail Box

James Collins Is Only 29. Tough Paper Round

He is one of a number of solid shouts for players that look old before their time. We also have the final words on lovely D-Beck and a rejection of end of season playoffs...

Without Posh, Becks Could Have Been Scholes

That's one opinion, but others give their thanks to the man. We also have ideas for a relegation playoff, happy memories of the season and a defence of Liverpool's campaign...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved