Rio Ferdinand blasts Fifa over its failure to deal with racism

Angry Rio Ferdinand last night took FIFA to task over their failure to deal with racism - and put the FA under pressure to act over the disgusting abuse suffered by former England defensive partner Sol Campbell.

Fabio Capello's vice-captain accused the world governing body of paying lip service to the anti-racism campaign after Croatia's £15,000 fine for the vitriol aimed at Emile Heskey in Zagreb last month.

Ferdinand argued points had to be deducted to get the message across to the racist fans who still plague football, especially in eastern Europe.

But while Ferdinand had FIFA chief Sepp Blatter in his sights, his words will also put the squeeze on FA chiefs to act on the outrageous slurs Campbell was forced to suffer from Tottenham fans at Fratton Park last month.

Ferdinand, who has himself faced racial abuse through his career, said: "FIFA make comments about what they will do but never back it up with actions. The football authorities need to take a look at themselves.

"Croatia were fined a few thousand quid. What's going to do? It's not going stop people shouting or homophobic abuse.

" Sepp Blatter likes to up about things that good for FIFA's image, but love to see them stand and dish out the right for these " If things like this happening you have to points off them. Then punters will realise the is going to be punished." Ferdinand also those who verbally Campbell should be out and dealt with.

He added: " The high- cameras should be able pick up the people who doing that kind of stuff eject them from the ground.

"That is the only way I can see to stop it.

"There are young kids present who want to be entertained, not hear someone a couple of rows back slagging players off."

An FA spokesman said: "We are not looking deduct points from Tottenham, but to ban individuals for life where they can be identified."