The FIFA announced that it will reduce sanctions for racism to clubs and supporters who commit to carrying out awareness and prevention campaigns on this problem.
The decision of the highest body of world football will be included in the reform of the Disciplinary Code.
According to the newspaper Mundo Deportivo “one of the reforms has to do with sanctions against clubs responsible for the discriminatory or racist behavior of their fans”.
The publication adds that, “with the new regulatory change, when the association or club in question commits to developing an action plan against discrimination, focused on three key areas, then FIFA’s judicial bodies may decide to impose sanctions of less than the minimum”.
The sanctions
The code establishes that the sanctions and fines for acts of racism are the following:
- In the case of the first offence, playing a match with a limited number of spectators and a fine of at least 20,396 euros.
- In the case of recidivism or if the circumstances of the case require it, disciplinary measures such as the implementation of a prevention plan, a fine, the deduction of points, the dispute of one or more games behind closed doors, the prohibition to play in a certain stadium, a defeat by withdrawal or resignation, exclusion from a competition or relegation”.
What are the changes
According to this new adaptation of the regulations, the minimum sanctions of an association or a club may be modified when it commits to developing a global plan that guarantees the fight against discrimination and prevent incidents.
The plan must be approved by FIFA and will include, as a minimum, three areas of work to carry out the awareness campaign:
1. educational activities, including a communication campaign aimed at fans and the general public. The effectiveness of the campaign will be reviewed periodically.
2. Security measures and dialogueincluding a policy on how violators will be identified and dealt with through sanctions, a policy on escalation to state criminal authorities, and a dialogue with fans and influencers on how to create change.
3. Partnerships, including working with supporters, NGOs, experts and stakeholders to advise and support the action plan and ensure effective and ongoing implementation.
Source: Ambito
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