FIFA suspend ticket sale ban for Ukraine versus Poland match

Officials from FARE (Football Against Racism in Europe) reported racist abuse by Ukrainian fans during a 9-0 win against San Marino in Lviv last month.

FIFA decided to force Ukraine to play behind closed doors for one match, citing “several racist and discriminatory incidents” related to reports of neo-Nazi banners and monkey chants.

But after an appeal by the Ukrainian football association, FIFA have suspended punishment until after the match with Poland in the Group H qualifier for next summer’s World Cup in Brazil.

FIFA said they were unable to come to a conclusion about the reported racist chanting by fans and will look at the case after the match on 11 October.

Revenge

Meanwhile, Poland’s coach, Waldemar Fornalik has said his side will be “looking for revenge” against Ukraine, a team they lost 1 – 3 to at home in March.

Fornalik, whose job is on the line after disappointing performances in Group H mean that Poland have little chance of qualifying for Brazil 2014, said on Monday: “We need to be a more determined team, and especially tight in defense”.

With two rounds to go, Poland are in fourth place in Group H on 13 points, with Montenegro and Ukraine level in second on 15 points and England on top with 16 points.

Poland’s last match in the qualifying rounds will be against England at Wembley on 15 October. (pg)