International Players Union reacts with incredulity to fine on Zaragoza

FIFPro has reacted with incomprehension to the fine of 9,000 euros which has been imposed on Real Zaragoza of the Spanish football association. The reason for the fine were the continuous racial remarks from the Zaragoza public towards the Barcelona player Samuel Eto’o in the match between the two clubs last Saturday. FIFPro Secretary General Theo van Seggelen: ‘These are not the far-reaching measures that the football world is waiting for.’




It was not the first time that the Zaragoza fans committed an offence. Zaragoza were fined 600 euros by the RFEF last season after a section of their fans directed racist abuse against Eto'o, whilst earlier this month, Zaragoza were fined a similar amount after some of their fans directed racist insults at Real Betis' Brazilian forward Robert.

‘This is not a good signal’, according to FIFPro Secretary General Theo van Seggelen. ‘I understand that FIFA Chairman Joseph Blatter has called the measure ridiculous and in this instance we are fully in agreement with each other. Everybody is in agreement that racism in football must be dealt with. A joint firm approach is required. A fine like this does not fit in with that.’

Incidentally FIFPro is of the opinion that punitive measures on their own are not sufficient. Last Tuesday, in the FIFPro board meeting, the FIFPro policy against racism was officially confirmed.

full story on www.fifpro.org