Footballer Who Denounced Russian Racism Pulls Out of World Cup Draw

Brazilian star Hulk has pulled out of Saturday’s World Cup draw just two days after agreeing to take part and less than a week after claiming he encountered racism in “almost every game” in Russian Federation.

Old heroes who are confirmed as joining Federation Internationale de Football Association secretary-general Jerome Valcke on stage at the Konstantinovsky Palace for the draw include Brazil’s Ronaldo, Diego Forlan, Fabio Cannavaro, Samuel Eto’o, Oliver Bierhoff, Alexander Kerzhakov, Rinat Dasaev, Rabah Madjer and Predrag Rajkovic.

We look ahead to the 2018 World Cup, slated for Russian Federation, and the country is ramping up construction projects to be ready for the football showcase.

Hulk, who joined Zenit from Porto three years ago, said on Monday that he feared racism could mar the World Cup.

The 28-year-old added: “If this happens in the World Cup, it will be really gross and really ugly”.

After it was announced on Wednesday that he would take part in the draw, Hulk said: “I’m really happy”. From the window of my flat I have a view to Zenit’s new stadium, which will be used in the World Cup.

Earlier this week, Hulk complained of racism in the country ahead of the showpiece tournament – and also accused a referee of abusing him. Usually it happens only in Russian club competition and it doesn’t come out to the world and the world doesn’t know about this.

“I see it happening all the time”.

The Ghanaian was sent off after just half an hour for reacting with an obscene gesture towards the Spartak fans.

Russian soccer authorities need to do more to combat racism, a UN official said.

Frimpong, who plays for Ufa, was sent off, and later suspended for two league matches after raising a finger to fans who he said had made monkey chants.