Yaya Toure says black players could boycott 2018 World Cup in Russia

Yaya Toure believes black players could boycott the 2018 World Cup unless Russia addresses racism in the stands.

Toure was the target of monkey chants during Manchester City’s 2-1 victory over CSKA Moscow in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night and UEFA have subsequently opened disciplinary proceedings against CSKA for the behaviour of their fans – although the club denies there was any racism.

The City skipper has now warned that black players may boycott the World Cup – which Russia will host for the first time in 2018 – unless the authorities take action.

“If we are not confident coming to the World Cup in Russia, we don’t come,” said Toure.

“I don’t know why it happens in football. I don’t know why you don’t get something like this in rugby or handball or any other sport.

“If UEFA don’t take action it will continue. A couple of months ago my friend played with Milan and he had the same problem.

“I hope they do something – ban the club or the stadium for two years. The club may say they have to educate the fans but it’s not enough. Too much is too much. We have to stop it now.”

CSKA are adamant that Toure is mistaken. In a statement the club said: “Having carefully studied the video of the game, we found no racist insults from the fans of CSKA.

“On many occasions fans booed and whistled to put pressure on rival players but regardless of race.

“In particular this happened with Alvaro Negredo and Edin Dzeko. Why the Ivorian midfielder took it as being directed at him is not clear.”

Piara Powar, executive director of European anti-discrimination body FARE and a FIFA anti-discrimination task force member, said Toure was right to raise the issue of a World Cup boycott.

Powar said: “Yaya Toure is absolutely right in raising the spectre of African players or players of African heritage not going to the 2018 World Cup – and without them there will not be a World Cup in Russia.

“I wouldn’t blame them – in this era players are the most powerful force and if all the players said they are not going there wouldn’t be a World Cup, or if there was it would be meaningless.”

UEFA confirmed on Thursday that CSKA had a case to answer following the events of Wednesday evening.

A statement from UEFA read: “Proceedings have been opened against CSKA Moscow for racist behaviour of their fans (article 14 of the UEFA disciplinary regulations) and for setting off of fireworks (article 16) at last night’s UEFA Champions League group stage match in Moscow against Manchester City.

“The case will be dealt with by the UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body on 30 October.”