UEFA appeals body increases Serbia racism fine

BERNE, Switzerland, Aug 23 (Reuters) European soccer's governing body UEFA has more than doubled the fine it originally imposed on the Serbian football association following racist chanting at a recent under-21 European Championship match.

UEFA's appeals body said today it was increasing the fine from 40,000 Swiss Francs to 100,000 Swiss Francs. Half of the fine will be suspended, pending any further incidents in the next two years.

The Serbian FA was handed the original punishment by UEFA's Control and Disciplinary Body, which noted racist chanting by Serbian supporters and improper conduct by the team's players during their 2-0 defeat by England on June 17.

UEFA then took the unusual step of appealing against its own disciplinary body, arguing that the fine was insufficient.

REUTERS BJR BD2002