Dismay as the anti-racism task force is disbanded

FIFA has disbanded its anti-racism task force, declaring the work complete despite ongoing concerns about discriminatory behaviour in Russia, the hosts of the 2018 World Cup.

The world governing body has written to members of the task force to say that it has “completely fulfilled its temporary mission” and “is hereby dissolved and no longer in operation.”

Former FIFA presidential candidate Prince Ali of Jordan described the decision as “shameful”.

A few days after the announcement by FIFA, there were calls for action to be taken against Russia club Rostov after a banana was thrown onto the pitch during their Champions League game against PSV. Rostov is set to be one of the host cities of the 2018 World Cup.