FIFA doubling racism punishment to 10 games

FIFA are doubling their minimum ban for racist incidents to 10 games, and will start inviting players to make victim statements at disciplinary hearings.

Stricter handling of racism and discrimination allegations is a key theme of the redrafted FIFA disciplinary code which takes effect next week.

FIFA said they “will not let down victims of racist abuse,” adding they “may be invited by the respective judicial body to make an oral or written victim impact statement.”

“For a first offence, playing a match with a limited number of spectators and a fine of at least 20,000 Swiss francs ($20,000) shall be imposed on the association or club concerned,” FIFA said.

The overhaul includes the option of imposing transfer bans on clubs which default on debts in cases processed by FIFA and the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Fare network, an organisation which promotes diversity in football across Europe, welcomed the changes, and called on the English FA to implement similar measures.