Hungary has been ordered to play two home Fifa competition matches behind closed doors, one suspended for two years, over racist behavior by fans at the World Cup qualifier against England earlier this month.
- Raheem Sterling and Jude Bellingham were targeted with monkey chants during the match on September 2 in Budapest, which England won 4-0.
- With the stadium ban, Fifa’s disciplinary committee imposed a fine of 200,000 Swiss francs (just under £160,000).
- A Fifa statement explained: “After analyzing and taking into consideration all the circumstances of the case, specifically the seriousness of the incidents (racist words and actions, throwing of objects, lighting off fireworks, blocked stairways), the committee decided that the MLSZ would play its next two home matches in Fifa competitions without spectators, the second match being suspended for a probationary period of two years.
- “Fifa’s position remains firm and resolute in rejecting any form of racism and violence as well as any other form of discrimination or abuse. Fifa takes a clear zero-tolerance stance against such abhorrent behavior in football” it added.
- Fifa opened proceedings against Hungary the day after the match, but the football authorities were criticized over the failure to carry over a Uefa stadium ban imposed in July for racist chanting and homophobic banners into the World Cup qualifiers, which are overseen by Fifa.
The Professional Footballers’ Association condemned the abuse and urged Fifa and Uefa to close the regulatory “loophole.”
