• Football

FIFA reject validity of Vieira protest against racist abuse

ESPN staff
December 8, 2014
Patrick Vieira took his Manchester City Under-21 team off the pitch during a July friendly © Getty Images
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FIFA will not open disciplinary proceedings against the Croatian Football Association after Patrick Vieira led his Manchester City Under-21 team off the pitch over allegations of racism in a pre-season friendly against HNK Rijeka.

Vieira, coach of City's elite development squad, took the action over claims French midfielder Seko Fofana, who had been shown a red card for an off-the-ball incident, had been racially abused just before half-time.

However, having investigated the matter, FIFA have decided there was not enough evidence to back up City's allegation and will not be taking any further action.

"The chairman of the FIFA disciplinary committee considered that, based on the information at his disposal, there were not enough elements to justify the opening of disciplinary proceedings," said a statement.

"Also in relation to this matter, the chairman was pleased to observe that Mr Davor Suker [Croatian Football Federation president] and Mr Patrick Vieira engage positively to work through the issue.

"The relevant parties were notified on Friday December 5 in the form of a letter, which also emphasised FIFA's zero-tolerance stance against any form of discrimination."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
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