FIFA fines World Cup hosts Russia for discriminatory banner

MOSCOW (Reuters) - FIFA has fined World Cup hosts Russia 10,000 Swiss francs (7,646.30 pounds) after their fans displayed a discriminatory banner during the country's 3-0 World Cup loss to Uruguay.

(Reuters)

Russia play Spain in the last 16 on Sunday after the country reached the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in post-Soviet history.

FIFA also fined Serbia 20,000 Swiss francs for a "political and offensive banner" during their 2-0 loss to Brazil at Moscow's Spartak stadium. Serbia, who are out of the tournament, were fined for the display of a similar banner earlier in the tournament.

Mexico were fined 15,000 Swiss francs for crowd disturbance after their fans threw objects during their team's 3-0 loss to Sweden.

Morocco were slapped with a fine of 65,000 Swiss francs for a series of incidents during the 2-2 draw with Spain, including crowd disturbance and six members of the team's technical staff forcing their way on to the pitch after the final whistle.

(Reporting by Gabrielle Tétrault-Farber,; Editing by Ed Osmond)