FIFA launches investigation into fans' chants of '˜no surrender'

England football fans chanting 'no surrender' during the singing of the national anthem ahead of their team's World Cup semi-final is being investigated by FIFA.
By The Newsroom
Published 13th Jul 2018, 10:03 BST
Updated 17th Jul 2018, 18:43 BST
England fans at their team's World Cup semi-final match at the Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow. Pic by Tim Goode/PA Wire.England fans at their team's World Cup semi-final match at the Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow. Pic by Tim Goode/PA Wire.
England fans at their team's World Cup semi-final match at the Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow. Pic by Tim Goode/PA Wire.

World football’s governing body said it had “opened proceedings” against the Football Association following reports that England fans’ chants were of “a possible discriminatory nature”.

“We can confirm that a report has been filed through the anti-discrimination monitoring system in relation to chants of a possible discriminatory nature by English fans at yesterday’s match,” FIFA said.

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“Subsequently, disciplinary proceedings have been opened against the Football Association.”

Gareth Southgate’s side were knocked out of the tournament after losing 2-1 to Croatia in Moscow on Wednesday night.

During the singing of the national anthem before the game, some England fans shouted ‘no surrender’ – an anti-IRA chant that has been heard before the team’s games for many years.

It is unclear if the “no surrender” chant breaches FIFA’s rules on discrimination.

Related topics:FIFAEnglandFootball AssociationGareth SouthgateMoscowCroatia