The New Nation - Internet Edition

AP, Zurich

FIFA fined the Croatia Football Federation 30,000 Swiss francs (US$27,700, euro18,800) Thursday after fans directed racist chants at an England player during a World Cup qualifier.

The governing body's disciplinary committee also threatened Croatia with a more severe punishment if it did not control the problem in future.

"Racism has no place in football," FIFA said in a statement, adding it would use "all of the means at its disposal to eliminate this form of discrimination."

Racist chants were directed at England striker Emile Heskey at the Maksimir Stadium in Zagreb during the second half of England's 4-1 victory Sept. 10.

Heskey, who is black, later branded the fans "ignorant people" and said he tried to ignore the taunts.

England's Football Association said after the verdict it would Pursue complaints whenever its players faced similar taunts.

"We will not accept any racial abuse of any England players," it said. "There can be no place for racist behavior in football or society."

The Croatian federation was previously punished in June for its fans' racism at the European Championship.

It was fined 20,000 Swiss francs (US$17,900, euro12,570) after European governing body UEFA ruled Croatian fans displayed a racist banner and acted in a racist manner toward Turkey supporters during the teams' Euro 2008 quarterfinal.