FIFA urged to act on 3 teams over fan behaviour

RIO DE JANEIRO — A monitoring group is urging FIFA to investigate instances of alleged discrimination by supporters of three European countries at World Cup matches. Fare executive director Piara Powar says its report to FIFA identifies Germany, France and Belgium fans who have worn black face make-up during matches. Images of at least two Germany fans appeared on social media with blackened faces at the team's match against Ghana. Fare says in a message posted on its Twitter account that it also advised FIFA about a pitch invader in that match "with neo-Nazi references painted on his body". In a separate incident involving a Colombia fan, Fare reports "a man wearing a clerical costume daubed with swastikas". FIFA can open disciplinary cases against national federations, which are responsible for fan behaviour inside stadiums.