FIFA president to meet Muntari following racial abuse

Sulley Muntari will be meeting Gianni Infantino to have talks, after he was racially abused last two weeks in Italy.

Muntari, 32, was sent off after leaving the field claiming he was racially abused during a Serie A game.

He was initially banned for one game but had this overturned by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).

Sulley Muntari has earned backing from international bodies and individuals and Gianni Infantino the President of FIFA has added his voice to the racial abuse at the Ghanaian midfielder.

"Of course I will speak to Tavecchio, I will speak to Muntari as well... we will work together," said Infantino, who also said he intends to talk to the head of the Italian FA, Carlo Tavecchio.

Muntari said that he felt like he was treated like a 'criminal' by the football authorities, and that FIFA and UEFA have been hesitant to fight racism in football, however, he also added that he has faith that Infantino may be able to do a better job at tackling the issue than his predecessor Sepp Blatter.

"I went through hell, I was treated just like a criminal. I went off the field because I felt it wasn't right for me to be on the field while I have been racially abused," he told BBC Sport's David Ornstein on Monday.

"Fifa and Uefa only care about what they want to care about. If they want to fight racism they should be able to jump right in and tackle it.

"But they have nothing to say about it. This is a big deal.

"Maybe the new president Infantino will do something about it. He has a different mind.

"I think he is capable of doing something in a good way to fight racism. I want him to fight racism."

A Uefa statement on the issue said: "The fight to eliminate racism, discrimination and intolerance from football is a major priority for our organisation.

"Uefa condemns such deplorable behaviour and has always shown zero tolerance for any form of racism and discrimination."