Federations fined over racism

The Spanish and Russian football federations have been fined by UEFA in the latest punishments relating to racist behaviour of fans at Euro 2012.

The Football Union of Russia, which has already been hit with a number of sanctions during the tournament due to the unruly behaviour of travelling supporters, was fined €30,000 (£24,000) after chants were directed at the Czech Republic's Theodor Gebre Selassie when the side's met on June 8th in Wroclaw.

A €20,000 (£16,000) fine is the first punishment to be meted out to the Spanish Football Federation during the tournament, and comes after its fans directed abuse towards Italy striker Mario Balotelli on June 10th.

A statement from UEFA said: "The UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body have imposed fines of €20,000 and €30,000, respectively, on the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and the Football Union of Russia (RFS).

"The sanction of €20,000 against the RFEF has been imposed for the improper conduct of its fans (racist behaviour, racist chanting) during the UEFA Euro 2012 Group C fixture against Italy in Gdansk on June 10th. An appeal can be lodged against this decision within 24 hours of the dispatch of the written decision.

"The RFS has been fined €30,000 for the improper conduct of its fans (racist behaviour, racist chanting) at the Group A game against the Czech Republic in Wroclaw on June 8th. An appeal may be lodged against this decision within three days of the dispatch of the full written decision."