News in 2006

19th March 2006

Spain introduces up to €650,000 fines for football racists

Spain's government has drafted a law to help combat racism in sport that threatens tougher fines, points deductions and even relegation for football clubs in serious cases.

Warning

Spanish sports minister Jaime Lissavetzky said: "I hope we never have to use them but it will be a warning to everyone that they could be applied. They would be the ultimate sanctions. To apply them we would have to be absolutely sure we were doing the right thing.

The proposals, which Lissavetzky hopes will become law in around six months, include fines of up to €650,000 for individuals, and bans from attending sporting events. Fines for clubs would reach a maximum of €90,000.

Sanctions

The move comes hot on the heels of tough new sanctions outlined by FIFA to combat incidences of racism in football which include match suspensions, the deduction of points, relegation or elimination from competitions.

The president of the Spanish Football League has backed FIFA's new anti-racism proposals, though they received a mixed response from Primera Liga clubs.

Jose Luis Astiazaran said: "The Spanish league will be pioneers in implementing the new rules. They will make the clubs and the fans more aware of the issue."

Education

Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard said: "It is an interesting first step because it is all about education. Sportsmen need to display sportsmanship and respect, but education has to come from the great institutions at a political level or from UEFA and FIFA.

"I am against racist insults or references to your mother. But we must proceed with caution when a Federation comes to conclusions without talking to the people involved like the coaches, the directors or the players."

Barcelona midfielder Oleguer added: "It is a positive step to take these initiatives but it could be dangerous to punish an entity for the actions of individuals."

However, Real Zaragoza, who have pledged to lead the way in combating racism in stadiums after last month's incident, were not in favour of FIFA's plans. Club director Jeronimo Suarez told Spanish sports daily Marca: "Combating racism is all about education. I don't think sporting measures will solve anything."