FIFA has punished the Bulgarian national football team for racist behavior of local fans during a home match against Denmark in the World Cup 2014 qualifiers.

Bulgaria will play with no audience its next qualifying game, scheduled for March 22 against the team of Malta.

In addition, the Bulgarian Football Union will have to pay a fine of CHF 35,000.

As grounds for its decision, FIFA has specified "a group of Bulgarian fans" shouting racist slogans against Danish player Patrick Mtiliga, as well as two torches thrown in the field.

The Danish Football Association had announced soon after the game that it will file objections with FIFA.

The team of Hungary has also received a similar punishment for anti-semitic slogans during its game with Israel.

The October 12, 2012 game between Bulgaria and Denmark finished in a draw, 1:1.

Currently, Bulgaria ranks 2nd in Group B of the World Cup 2014 qualifiers with 6 pts out of 4 games, behind Italy (10 pts/ 4 games), but all other teams have only 3 games played.

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