GENEVA (AP) — The soccer players’ union wants help to protect athletes in Eastern Europe from violence, racism and match-fixing gangs.
FIFPro says it’s creating a regional task force to recommend action and wants backing from FIFA and UEFA plus Europe’s clubs and leagues.
The union cites a Montenegrin player allegedly beaten into terminating his contract in Russia, and Brazilian defender Roberto Carlos being racially insulted by a fan.
The union also claims criminal organizations put “objectionable pressure on players to cooperate in bribery scandals.”
