AP, London :FIFA Vice President Jeffrey Webb warned Wednesday that eradicating racism from Russian football ahead of the 2018 World Cup will be a major challenge.The latest episode of fans’ racism has led to CSKA Moscow being ordered to play its next three UEFA competition matches in an empty stadium, following several incidents in domestic games where players have been abused.”There are huge challenges with Russia,” Webb, who heads FIFA’s anti-racism task force, said Wednesday. “It must start with education and really it must come from the top down that diversity is good, that integration is good and there’s nothing to fear.”Webb also dismissed calls to get the Women’s World Cup in Canada to be played on grass instead of artificial turf, following legal action from players.”Artificial pitches are the future,” said Webb, who heads the CONCACAF confederation that covers Canada. “They have been well regarded. If you have the best artificial pitches in the world I think that’s much better than having bad grass.”Webb was speaking at the Leaders’ Sport Business Summit in London. Here are other headlines from the gathering at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge stadium.
