MANILA, Philippines – The International Football Federation (Fifa) has cracked the whip on the Hong Kong Football Association for the unruly behavior of its national team supporters that marred the Philippines’ 1-0 win over Hong Kong in a friendly at Mong Kok Stadium last June.
Reports from Hong Kong said Fifa has ordered the HKFA to pay 30,000 Swiss francs or about P1.4 million for the incident, where its supporters threw debris and hurled obscenities at Filipino players and their supporters, many of them women and children.
An additional fine of 3,000 Swiss francs was slapped on HKFA to cover the cost of the inquiry into the alleged racial abuse.
Hong Kong fans reportedly called the Philippines a “slave nation” during what was supposed to be a friendly match.
The Philippine Football Federation (PFF), which filed a complaint with the Fifa, welcomed the decision of the world governing body.
The PFF welcomes the Fifa decision concerning the racist behavior of and acts of violence made by Hong Kong spectators against Philippine players and fans,” a PFF statement said.
“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.”
HKFA chief executive Mark Sutcliffe is reportedly appealing the sanction.
“We are disappointed with this initial decision and we reserve the right to lodge a formal appeal …” Sutcliffe said in a statement.