FIFA President Sepp Blatter says he 's concerned by a study highlighting the scale of Russia 's racism problem ahead of the 2018 World Cup . The Fare network organization and the Moscow-based SOVA Center detailed dozens of cases of discriminatory behaviour linked to Russian football over two seasons . The report has been received by FIFA and Blatter told The Associated Press : ' I am aware of the report ... sure we are concerned , definitely . ' Sepp Blatter admits he is concerned about the level of racism in Russia ahead of their hosting the World Cup . In 2013 , CSKA Moscow were ordered to close part of their stadium for racist chanting against Yaya Toure . Last year , Blatter spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin about making tackling racism a priority in 2018 . Blatter says 'if it does not stop then there must be some sanctions . ' Speaking on the sidelines of a meeting in Northern Ireland , Blatter added : 'Racism is one of the items which is on my agenda on the very top , every day . ' Fans of FC Torpedo Moscow chant during the Russian Premier League match against FC Rostov . Blatter and Russian president Vladimir Putin pose at the official World Cup handover ceremony last year .
Sepp Blatter believes he is motivated by racism in Russia . they are due to host the 2018 FIFA world cup . Blatter believes tackling racism in football is one of FIFA 's top priorities .