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Gianni Infantino: 'Referees can stop World Cup matches in case of racism'

Infantino: 'Racism can end WC games'
© Reuters
FIFA president Gianni Infantino stresses that referees will have the power to abandon matches at the World Cup in Russia if there are incidents of racism.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has confirmed that referees will have the power to abandon matches at the World Cup if there are incidents of racism.

Russia will host the tournament this year and there have been concerns over how fans will be treated due to historic problems of racial abuse within football in the country.

England defender Danny Rose revealed earlier this week that his family will not travel to Russia for the tournament over fears that they would be subjected to abuse.

However, Infantino stresses that there are measures in place should anything occur during matches and has warned of "serious consequences" if there are such issues.

"I wouldn't say that we are concerned about discrimination, human rights and security but we take them very seriously," the 48-year-old told Sky Sports News. "We have taken appropriate measure in the preparation process.

"We will have clear procedures in place, including a three-step process for referees who can stop, suspend or even abandon a match in case of discrimination. We have a monitoring system and then immediate sanctions if something happens.

"We obviously wish that doesn't happen and everyone has been warned that if it happens there will be serious consequences."

The world football governing body fined Russia's football union £22,000 for racist chanting aimed at France players during a game in March.

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