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John Córdoba refuses to speak after CSKA Moscow's racist abuse fine

A 1M ruble penalty does little to ease the frustration. Córdoba's silence speaks volumes about the unchecked racism plaguing Russia's pitches—again.

The image shows a man in a suit and tie speaking into a microphone in front of a blurred...
The image shows a man in a suit and tie speaking into a microphone in front of a blurred background. He appears to be making a statement, likely in response to the Supreme Court's decision to ban the use of the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

John Córdoba refuses to speak after CSKA Moscow's racist abuse fine

Krasnodar striker John Córdoba has refused to address questions about CSKA Moscow following a recent racist incident. The RFU Control and Disciplinary Committee fined the club 1 million rubles over the abuse. Córdoba made it clear he would not discuss the matter or his former opponents.

The issue began during the first leg in Moscow, where Córdoba faced racist taunts. Krasnodar midfielder Eduard Spertsyan had already highlighted the abuse after the match. Despite this, the striker chose silence when questioned again.

The fine against CSKA comes years after a similar case in 2019, when Spartak Moscow received only a €4,500 penalty for racist abuse against the same player. Since then, reports of racism in Russian football have continued, with penalties remaining lenient. Even in 2026, incidents in the Premier League and lower divisions often result in minimal consequences.

When asked about Krasnodar's chances of winning a domestic double, Córdoba also declined to comment. His focus remained on avoiding any discussion linked to CSKA or the recent events.

The RFU's decision to fine CSKA 1 million rubles marks another response to ongoing racism in Russian football. Córdoba's refusal to engage with the topic underscores the frustration among players. Meanwhile, the pattern of light penalties for such incidents persists across the leagues.

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