PFA releases statement criticising UEFA's sanctions on Bulgaria

Players Football Association (PFA) has called for UEFA to impose tougher sanctions in order to tackle racism. comments came after UEFA's fine on Bulgaria after country's football association failed to take preventive actions during recently concluded Bullgaria-England match, which was marred by racist incidents.

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'Disappointed at sanctions'

PFA released a statement wherein y said, " PFA is disappointed at sanctions anunced today, levied by UEFA towards Bulgaria in wake of disgraceful racist incidents witnessed two weeks ago. While sanctions are in line with current UEFA disciplinary guidelines, this only serves to highlight that se guidelines need to be overhauled and far stronger deterrents imposed - t ruling out expulsions from competitions. Only n can issue of racism be seriously confronted. In addition, re is currently BAME representation on UEFA’s Control, Ethics, and Disciplinary Committee. This lack of diversity, we believe, will influence way in which racist incidents are dealt with by panel. Diversity on pitch must be reflected at every level of game, t just on field of play."

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Earlier on Tuesday, UEFA fined Bulgarian Football Union €75,000 and given a two-match stadium ban, one suspended for two years. UEFA said that ruling was in accordance with guidelines and regulations of governing body. On October 14, England went to Bulgaria to play a EURO 2020 Qualifier amidst rising tensions in relation to racist behaviour by supporters. match went on as usual, however, it was stopped twice because players were subjected to racism.  English team - players and coaching staff followed protocol and took issue to officials during game. players and coach decided to continue game and t abandon game. England defeated Bulgaria 6-0 in match, but re was a huge outcry and anger over behaviours of Bulgarian supporters who even showed 'Nazi salute' from stands.

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outr grew after national team coach, Krasimir Balakov, in post-match press conference, said that he was t aware of any such incident and that 'if' re is evidence n re should be fines. Bulgaria Football Union head, Borislav Mihaylov was t compliant as well. However, growing outr was ticed by Prime Minister Boyko Borissov who took matters into his own hands and asked Mihaylov to resign. Mihaylov and Krasimir Balakov both resigned soon after. Georgi Dermendzhiev is new Bulgarian team's coach.

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