FIFA fined the Russian football federation 30,000 Swiss francs (£22,200) today after fans racially abused France players during a game in St Petersburg.

Monkey chants were aimed at black players, including Paul Pogba, during France’s 3-1 win over Russia in a friendly in March.

Fifa said its disciplinary panel noted “the gravity of the incident but also the limited number of fans involved.”

The stadium in St Petersburg will host seven World Cup games, including Russia’s Group A game against Egypt and a semi-final match.

The case follows racism charges by Uefa against Zenit St Petersburg in two Europa League games this season.

On May 31, two weeks before the World Cup opens, Uefa will judge a charge of racist chanting by Zenit fans during a game against Leipzig.

Monitors from anti-discrimination group Fare said the chants mocked an injured black player for the German club.

At the tournament in Russia, Fifa will be working with Fare experts for the first time at the World Cup.

“Fifa has also introduced a three-step procedure in case of discriminatory incidents, which allows referees to actively intervene to make the discriminatory behaviour stop,” the governing body said.

“Fifa calls on all fans to come to the stadiums in a spirit of unity, peace and friendship.”