Croatia were today fined almost £15,000 for their supporters racially abusing Emile Heskey during England's World Cup qualifier in Zagreb.

The Wigan striker was subjected to monkey chants at the Maksimir Stadium after being booked in the visitors' 4-1 victory two weeks ago.

FIFA launched an investigation following a complaint from the Football Association and have now warned the Croatia Football Federation they will face "more severe sanctions" if there are further incidents.

However, the fine of 30,000 swiss francs (£14,920) comes just two months after Croatia were hit with a £10,000 penalty for their fans' racist behaviour during the Euro 2008 quarter-final with Turkey.

Their federation's president, Vlatko Markovic, said today: "It's never good to pay a fine. We could have spent that money for humanitarian causes. We are making great efforts so that all games are superbly organised."

An FA spokesman said: "We will not accept any racial abuse of any England players. There can be no place for racist behaviour."