News in 2006

16th March 2006

FIFA beef up rules

Clubs whose fans are guilty of racist abuse can be deducted points or even relegated under new regulations approved by FIFA's executive committee.

The new penalties range from match suspensions to deductions of points; three for a first offence, six for a second and relegation if there are further offences.

FIFA have ordered confederations and member associations to incorporate the new penalties into their regulations, and have threatened to exclude associations from international football for up to two years if they fail to do so.

Samuel Eto'o

The issue was highlighted once again at a recent Primera Liga game in Spain when Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o was the subject of heavy abuse at Real Zaragoza.

The Cameroon international had to be persuaded by the referee and team-mates not to walk off the pitch.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter said: "Recent events have demonstrated there is a need for concerted action and an urgency for more severe measures to be adopted in order to kick this evil out of the beautiful game.

He said: "Now that the clubs and associations have an obligation to find a solution, they will find the solutions necessary to eliminate this plague."

Thuram

The FIFA committee had heard evidence from Juventus defender Lilian Thuram prior to making their decision, and the France international was pleased with the outcome.

Director Piara Powar said, "This is a significant development and should mean a harmonisation of the disciplinary sanctions that clubs face and, we hope, that FA's will stop fining players and clubs insulting amounts for the worst types of mass racism."

He continued, "Longer term the answer lies with educational measures and creative challenges on a national level but for now at least it means better protection for the victims of abuse at all levels of the game."