FIFA sort of punished Hungary and Bulgaria for racism....sort of

"But we printed pamphlets!! This will solve the problem!"

Despite all of the "initiatives" that FIFA have started to tackle racism (FARE, Anti-discrimination Days, Give Racism the Red Card, etc) and publicly stating that racism is a problem and must be tackled, soccer's governing body continues to hand down soft penalties to clubs and countries that abuse opposing players.

Today from the Associated Press:

ZURICH -- FIFA has upheld sanctions imposed on Hungary and Bulgaria for anti-Semitic and racist behavior by fans, and says both teams will play World Cup qualifiers in empty stadiums next month after rejecting appeals by both soccer associations.

FIFA says both "have both been warned to their future conduct."

Hungary fans racially abused Israel's team at an exhibition game in August in Budapest.

Hungary will play neighboring Romania behind closed doors on March 22.

Bulgaria fans made monkey chants at a black Denmark player during a World Cup qualifier in Sofia in October. Bulgaria next plays at home against Malta.

FIFA fined Hungary $43,400 and Bulgaria $38,000.

Both countries can appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Oh wow! One game behind closed doors?!?!?! A $43,400 fine?!?!?! Well I'm sure that will definitely show these countries and their fans that you're serious.

This is a joke. A sick and ignorant joke that FIFA tries to play every time there is a well documented case of racism.

Do you want to fix the problem Sepp? Here's what you do: Eliminate a country from qualifying tournaments or the ability to play in qualifiers or dock a club 10-15 points. Let's see how quickly Hungary MLSZ (their FA so to speak) do something about anti-semitic chants when there is a chance they won't even be able to attempt to qualify for the World Cup, or how quiet La Familia becomes when Beitar Jerusalem get relegated because of anti-muslim chants and violence.

Paltry little fines and closed door games do nothing to quell racist chants. It never has and it never will. Until the old men at the top of FIFA understand that there will never be a solution. Give the FA's a reason, a real reason, to be proactive about quashing racism in their fan base. If you make an example of one team I promise you'll start seeing big and drastic steps taken by countries and clubs alike.