Republic of Ireland U21 racism case closed due to lack of evidence

A racism case involving the Republic of Ireland has been closed by FIFA due to insufficient evidence.

A Republic of Ireland Under-21 substitute was allegedly racially abused as he warmed up during a friendly match against Kuwait Under-22s in Austria on 19 June.

The Irish players walked off the field in response to the alleged incident and the match was abandoned.

It was reported in September that the FAI had submitted a formal complaint concerning the matter to FIFA, but football's world governing body FIFA has now confirmed that the case has been closed.

The FAI said at the time of the alleged incident: "The comment was heard by a number of Ireland players, who reported this immediately to match officials as well as to members of the Ireland and Kuwait team staff.

"Due to the nature of the remark made and with no affirmative action in relation to it from our opponents, the game was abandoned. FAI staff and players were fully in support with this decision.

"The FAI has offered its full and unequivocal support to the player who was subjected to racism and to his team-mates. The FAI does not tolerate any racism towards any of our players or staff."

The FAI has been approached for comment regarding the closure of the case.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has previously spoken about his organisation’s determination to tackle racism.

Speaking in June, prior to the Republic of Ireland allegation, Infantino said: "(Racism) is a football-related problem and we mustn’t look for excuses like, 'It’s society’s problem, therefore, it’s fine in football’.

"In the world of football, we must act in a very forceful way."

He added: "There is no football if there is racism. So let’s stop the games.

"The referees have this opportunity in FIFA