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FIFA criticised over racism fines by Kick It Out after England punished for unofficial drink

Kick It Out chair Lord Herman Ouseley
Image: Kick It Out chair Lord Herman Ouseley has criticised FIFA for its "pitiful" fines system

FIFA has been criticised for prioritising commercial gain over eliminating racism from football by the chair of anti-discrimination group Kick It Out.

The world governing body fined England £16,000 after a young England player used an energy drink which was not that of the official sponsor at last year's Under-20 World Cup.

The sanction was £6,000 less than Russia's fine for the racist abuse of France's black players during a friendly in March.

Kick It Out chair Lord Herman Ouseley said: "This incident is just another example of why there is little confidence in FIFA to respond robustly to incidents of discrimination at the World Cup this summer.

"Pitiful fines have no lasting effect on discriminatory behaviour in football, and the fact that for racist abuse the Russian Football Union were fined just £6,000 less than England were for drinking the wrong energy drink, merely demonstrates where the priorities of FIFA lie - in commercial gain rather than eliminating discrimination from football."

FIFA have been contacted for a response.

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