Ex-Lokomotiv Moscow striker Peter Odemwingie has claimed that the problem of racism is not as acute as it is negatively depicted by the foreign press, and has pointed out that Ahmed Musa returned to play for CSKA Moscow in the January transfer window.

Fifa is investigating alleged racist abuse directed at French players by Russia fans during a pre-World Cup friendly on March 27 in St. Petersburg, and there were unconfirmed reports that Super Eagles winger Alex Iwobi was subjected to racist abuse in the closing minutes of Arsenal's Europa League semifinal tie at CSKA Moscow.

''I'm sure that in Russia there is no such problem (racism) in general, otherwise Musa would not come back, other guys would not have come in. This problem is exaggerated,'' Odemwingie told reporters, according to RIA Novosti.

''Even the head coach of England Gareth Southgate recently said that this issue is being exaggerated. There are everywhere, even in England, people like him should speak, not to run away from the problem, but to solve.

''In Russia, many people will come to the World Cup, they need to change their perceptions, they will communicate with people, see how it really is.''

Last month, Gareth Southgate stated that racism in England is more of a concern than in Russia, citing comments posted under an image of the England under-16s side, where they were referred to as Nigeria with seven black players.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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