The Philippine Football Federation on Sunday welcomed the decision of world football governing body FIFA to fine the Hong Kong Football Association following incidents of racial abuse toward Filipino fans during a friendly match last year.
“The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) welcomes the FIFA decision concerning the racist behavior of and acts of violence made by Hong Kong spectators against Philippine players and fans during the 04 June 2013 friendly match between Hong Kong and the Philippines,” the PFF said in a statement sent to InterAksyon.com.
“The decision shows that FIFA vigorously implements the non-discrimination provisions of the FIFA Statutes wherever the conduct is displayed and whoever the guilty party is. It also stressed the responsibility of the host Member Association for the spectators’ conduct in any friendly match within its territory.
“Indeed, any discriminatory conduct or acts of violence during any football match cannot be condoned. Football should unite and not divide.”
The PFF last year filed a complaint to FIFA shortly after the Azkals’ 1-nil victory over Hong Kong last June 4 at the Mong Kok Stadium, where Filipino fans at the venue recounted the hostile treatment they received from local fans there, ranging from bottle-throwing to the Philippines being called a “slave nation.”
FIFA slapped a fine of 30,000 Swiss francs ($33,000) on the HKFA after its violation of Articles 58, 65 and 67 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, which lay out the responsibilities and liabilities of concerned football bodies on discrimination and proper conduct of spectators during matches.
The HKFA was also ordered to pay 3,000 Swiss francs ($3,000) to cover the cost of investigation done by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee.
FIFA made the decision after vowing last year to slap heftier sanctions over racism in football.
The HKFA expressed its disappointment on FIFA’s decision, claiming that the incidents “were very minor” and some Azkals players even made “significant provocation” to local fans during the match. The body declared that it will send an appeal on the matter.
Diplomatic ties between the Philippines and Hong Kong have turned sour since 2010 when a botched hostage-taking rescue killed eight Hong Kong tourists.
The Hong Kong government has since issued a black travel warning to the Philippines, only one of the three countries on the list aside from strife-torn Egypt and Syria.
source: interaksyon.com
