Brazil star Hulk removed from World Cup draw role

Sport360 staff 04:50 25/07/2015
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  • Not needed: Hulk.

    Brazil and Zenit St Petersburg forward Hulk has been dropped from the star-studded line-up for the 2018 World Cup qualifying draw.

    The 28-year-old was set to feature alongside the likes of compatriot Ronaldo and Samuel Eto’o, but has been replaced by former Russia captain Alexey Smertin.

    — Paul Smith (@Smudge1962) July 24, 2015

    FIFA attributed Hulk’s absence from the ceremony due to his commitments with Zenit, who play away to Ural tomorrow.

    “Former Russia captain Alexey Smertin has replaced Hulk as a draw assistant for Saturday’s Preliminary Draw for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia, due to the Brazilian’s club commitments with FC Zenit,” they said in a statement

     However, Hulk has also been an outspoken critic of the problems Russian football faces with racism and suggested it could blight the World Cup in three years’ time.

    “If this happens during the 2018 World Cup it may become a serious problem as the whole world will be able to watch it,” he said this week.

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    Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong was the latest player to claim he had suffered racial abuse in Russia while playing for Ufa in the season opener of the Russian Premier League against Spartak Moscow last weekend.

    The Ghanaian was banned for two matches for reacting with an obscene gesture towards the Spartak fans. No action has been taken against Spartak.

    “For the Russian FA to say they didn’t hear or see any evidence of racism is beyond a joke,” he tweeted.

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