Arsene Wenger has criticised FIFA's decision to fine Spain for the racist abuse of England players and insisted only a stark threat to ban them from the World Cup would have been an effective deterrent.

FIFA decided against forcing Spain to play an international match behind closed doors when they ruled upon the abuse directed at England players in last month's friendly in Madrid.

Instead, the Spanish Football Federation was fined just under €65,000, though FIFA did accompany the fine with a warning that Spain risked missing out on a FIFA-organised tournament if there was any repeat.

However, Wenger believes that did not go far enough. He said: "I'm a believer that, in sport, the only punishment that really helps is sporting sanctions.

"If the Spanish federation were under threat of being out of European competitions, there would be much more incitement for supporters to behave well.

"If supporters are worried about their team not playing international games any more, they will be much more on alert.

"That would have a much more concrete and positive effect on people's behaviour. You must educate people but also threaten them with the right threat."

Meanwhile, Real Madrid have admitted that Arsenal's Edu is in their sights as they seek to strengthen in midfield.

The 26-year-old Brazilian will be available for a free transfer in the summer unless he signs an extension to his contract, which has six months left to run.

Arsenal have made two contract offers to Edu, both of which he has rejected.

In international news, former Greek international Angelos Anastasiadis has been appointed Cyprus coach.

Anastasiadis, sacked as coach of Greek first division club PAOK in September, signed a 10-month contract with an option to extend it for two years. He replaces Momcilo Vukotic who was sacked in November following Cyprus's 2-1 home defeat to Israel. Cyprus's next qualifier is away to Switzerland on March 30th. They play Ireland on October 8th.

Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton has been fined six weeks' wages for poking a lit cigar in the eye of a trainee at the club's Christmas Party on Sunday.

Barton was found guilty of gross misconduct by a City disciplinary hearing following the incident with Jamie Tandy. Trainee Tandy, guilty of misconduct, was fined two weeks' wages suspended for 12 months. According to club insiders, Barton earns £15,000 a week.