( CNN ) -- Its record on dealing with racist abuse has been mixed and now Russia has been urged by a leading anti-apartheid activist to show a tougher approach to the issue ahead of hosting the 2018 World Cup . The man who led South Africa 's successful World Cup bid in 2010 , Danny Jordaan wants Russia to start implementing life bans for any players or individuals found guilty of racism within football . `` Given our own history as South Africa as a country and given our struggle against apartheid and racism ... this is an issue that Russia must give serious attention to , '' Jordaan told CNN 's Amanda Davies . In the past , Russian sports minister Vitaly Mutko has insisted there is no major racism problem in the country , though earlier this month FC Rostov coach Igor Gamula said he did want to sign a Cameroonian because the club has `` enough dark-skinned players , we 've got six of the things . '' Gamula , who apologized for his comments , was given a five-game ban . During this season 's Champions League leading Russian club CSKA Moscow has had to play its games behind closed doors because of fan abuse toward black players . That punishment was handed out by European governing body UEFA . And in an interview with the Associated Press , FIFA anti-racism adviser Tokyo Sexwale suggested black players might even boycott the 2018 World Cup , saying `` there are certain parts [ of Moscow where ] if you are my color it 's unsafe . '' Jordaan , who began to campaign against apartheid in the 1970s , argued there should be `` no compromise '' on the issue of racism in football . `` You 've already seen the response from some of the leading players on the African continent , '' said Jordaan . `` We will certainly , at the level of the Confederation of African Football and FIFA , raise these issues because we can not see the same teams there that will be subjected to racial abuse and threats . '' Jordaan pointed to the NBA 's leadership in dealing with Los Angeles Clippers co-owner Donald Sterling , banning him for life after privately taped racist remarks were leaked to celebrity website TMZ.com . `` In our own country we opposed both legislation and the conduct of racists in our country -- they must be confronted , '' added Jordaan , referring to his own country 's history in dealing with apartheid . `` It must be dealt with severely . There must be decisive and very strong action . `` Such individuals certainly have no right to take charge of human-beings if the understanding is not that every human-being has equal worth . There are no players and things in the same team -- it 's just unacceptable . '' Earlier in November , the head of FIFA 's disciplinary committee Claudio Sulser insisted the world governing body would deal with any racism at the World Cup . Russia 's 2018 Local Organizing Committee was not immediately available for comment .
Russia will impose life bans on anyone found guilty of racist abuse in football . Call comes from leading anti - apartheid activist Danny Jordaan . Jordaan led South Africa 's successful 2010 World Cup bid . Argues there will be ` ` no compromise '' on the issue of racist abuse in football .