FIFA probes Russia over racist chants

PARIS, Apr 17 (AFP): FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against World Cup hosts Russia over monkey chants heard during a friendly international against France, a spokesman said on Tuesday.

Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba and Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele were allegedly targeted by racist chanting during the match in Saint Petersburg last month.

"We have no further comment at this stage," the FIFA spokesman said.

The Russian Football Union (RFU) said it was ready to cooperate with FIFA's probe.

"We launched our own internal investigation the day after the match," RFU anti-discrimination officer Alexander Baranov said.

"All international matches are played under the jurisdiction of FIFA. We opened it to understand what happened for ourselves. We have sent inquiries to the interior department."