FIFA announces harsher penalties for racism

(Patria) - The International Football Federation (FIFA) has announced significantly harsher penalties in cases of racist incidents, the governing football body said.

The FIFA Council unanimously approved the revised edition of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC), which includes a set of proactive regulatory measures aimed at combating discriminatory behavior on and off the field.

Thus, the maximum fine that can be imposed in cases of racist abuse has been significantly increased, now set at 5 million Swiss francs instead of the previous one million.

Players and officials are encouraged to help identify perpetrators, and all member associations are also required to use a three-step procedure in cases of racist offenses.

Players or team members can report racist insults using an officially prescribed gesture. After the second phase, a temporary suspension of the game follows. Teams can leave the field, discuss the situation, and assess it. The final phase is suspension or abandonment of the game if the abuse continues or the situation cannot be calmed.

Football associations will have to adjust their disciplinary provisions to align them with the general principles of the FDC.

FIFA reserves the right to appeal decisions in cases of racist abuse to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, as well as to intervene in cases where the competent association does not take sufficient measures.

"We now have a legal framework for stronger and more decisive action, both at the FIFA level and in every individual country around the world," said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.