FC Bayern München to Play in Partially-Closed Stadium in Moscow

UEFA has punished PFC CSKA Moskva with stadium closures after Manchester City's formal complaint that Yaya Touré, an Ivorian player, was the victim of racist chants.

That makes the November 1400 mile trip to Moscow much easier for the UEFA Champions League title-holders, FC Bayern München.

UEFA released the following statement on the CSKA Moskva case:

"The UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body has handed down sanctions to PFC CSKA Moskva following incidents during their UEFA Champions League home game against Manchester City FC on 23 October.

"Partial closure of the Arena Khimki, where CSKA play their home games in UEFA competition: specifically, the Control and Disciplinary Body has decided to close sector D of the stadium during the club's next UEFA competition home match.

"The fight against racism is a high priority for UEFA. The European governing body has a zero tolerance policy towards racism and discrimination on the pitch and in the stands.

"All forms of racist behaviour are considered serious offences against the disciplinary regulations and are punished with the most severe sanctions. Following the entry into force of the new disciplinary regulations on 1 June, the fight against racist conduct has been stepped up a level – resulting in more severe sanctions to deter any such behaviour."

(soccerway)

David Alaba and Jérôme Boateng are both the children of African-born fathers; Alaba's father is Nigerian and Boateng's father is Ghanaian. Russian fans have also targeted Brazilians in the past, and FC Bayern have two in Dante and Rafinha.

Club officials at CSKA Moskva deny such racist abuse taking place. CSKA's general director, Roman Babaev, went so far as to accuse the British media of "exaggerating" the Touré incident, and that they "smear" Russian Football.

A partial stadium closure is the first offense under the 2013 UEFA Disciplinary Regulations, a sign that European football's governing body is executing it's own outlined rules. Another racist incident for CSKA Moskva would result in a closed-door match, although CSKA only have one more home match in the group stage after they play FC Bayern on November 27.

If FC Bayern win their UEFA Champions League match against Viktoria Plzen, the Rekordmeister will enter the partially entered stadium having already qualified for the next round of the Champions League. Thus, a once harsh-looking trip to Khimki, Russia may be more of a breeze on many fronts.