Support The Moscow Times!

Russian Football Union Creates New Role to Fight Racism

A fan of Russia waves their national flag during their Euro 2016 Group G qualifying soccer match against Montenegro in Podgorica. Stevo Vasiljevic / Reuters

The Russian Football Union (RFS) has created a new position of anti-racism inspector, the organization's president Nikolai Tolstykh said Monday.

"In accordance with a decision with FIFA, the RFS will introduce the position of an anti-racism inspector," Tolstykh told reporters.

"Alexei Tolkachev, the head of the RFS department for safety work with supporters, will take up this new position."

Russia is hosting the 2018 World Cup and the RFS has punished several clubs this season following racist behavior by their fans.

The last incident occurred on March 15 when Torpedo Moscow fans racially abused Zenit St Petersburg's Brazilian forward Hulk during a match.

Torpedo were ordered to play two home matches behind closed doors.

… we have a small favor to ask.

As you may have heard, The Moscow Times, an independent news source for over 30 years, has been unjustly branded as a "foreign agent" by the Russian government. This blatant attempt to silence our voice is a direct assault on the integrity of journalism and the values we hold dear.

We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. Our commitment to providing accurate and unbiased reporting on Russia remains unshaken. But we need your help to continue our critical mission.

Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just 2. It's quick to set up, and you can be confident that you're making a significant impact every month by supporting open, independent journalism. Thank you.

Continue

Read more