
Audio By Carbonatix
FIFA is doubling its minimum ban for racist incidents to 10 games and will allow players to make victim statements and participate in the proceedings, world soccer's governing body said on Thursday.Stricter punishments against racism and other discriminatory behaviour was a key part of FIFA's updated disciplinary code which takes effect from Monday."FIFA's Disciplinary Committee may permit the victim to make a statement, allowing the latter to participate in the proceedings. FIFA will not let down victims of racist abuse," the body said in a statement.The changes follow on from several high profile incidents last season in domestic and international football.Inter Milan were ordered to play two home games behind closed doors after their supporters racially insulted Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly.Koulibaly, who received a red card for showing dissent, was banned for two matches, sparking criticism that the victim was being punished.Montenegro were also ordered by European governing body UEFA to play a home game behind closed doors as part of sanctions handed out for the racist behaviour of their supporters during a match against England.The updated FIFA code expands the scope of what is considered discriminatory behaviour to anything related to "race, skin colour, ethnic, national or social origin, gender, disability, sexual orientation, language, religion, political opinion, wealth, birth or any other status or any other reason".A match will be forfeited by the team if their supporters are found to be guilty of racist and other discriminatory behaviour."For a first offence, playing a match with a limited number of spectators and a fine of at least 20,000 Swiss Francs ($20,220) shall be imposed on the association or club concerned," FIFA said."Unless there are exceptional circumstances, if a match is abandoned by the referee because of racist and/or discriminatory conduct, the match shall be declared forfeited."The match can be forfeited after the referee has applied a "three-step procedure" for such incidents, which includes requesting a public announcement to call for such behaviour to cease, suspending the match until it stops, and in critical scenarios, abandoning the match altogether.The updated code also 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.SAFEGUARDINGEarlier this week, FIFA also launched a new global program teaching member associations and confederations to safeguard children from abuse.The new initiative, called FIFA Guardians, will allow members in reviewing their existing safeguarding measures through practical guidance and support materials."FIFA has a duty and responsibility to ensure that those who play football can do so in a safe, positive and enjoyable environment," FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura said."I am confident that the FIFA Guardians programme will help to mobilise action and guide our 211 member associations around the world in reviewing and implementing their own safeguarding measures to keep children safe in football. FIFA believes this to be every child's right."
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
Gov’t cuts fuel taxes, deploys buses to curb impact of rising fuel prices
24 minutes -
Interior Minister calls for intelligence-driven strategy as Ghana strengthens counter-terrorism efforts
25 minutes -
Adenta Circuit Court remands Pastor William Gyimah over viral threats against Vice President
1 hour -
“We’ve implemented changes to prevent a repeat of the AFCON final” – CAF President Motsepe
1 hour -
Gov’t orders deployment of Metro Mass buses to cushion commuters amid fuel price hike
2 hours -
Key Indian state polls begin in test for Modi’s party
2 hours -
Playback: Gomoa Easter Carnival in photos
2 hours -
Gov’t orders removal of fuel taxes to ease pump price hikes
2 hours -
“Whatever the decision of CAS, we will respect it” – CAF President Motsepe after AFCON final meetings in Morocco
3 hours -
Emma Ankrah: When waiting becomes part of treatment – Reflections on hospital care
3 hours -
Ghana urges travellers to prepare for new EU border system roll-out
3 hours -
Mahama enforces fuel coupon ban for ministers as cabinet moves to slash fuel taxes
3 hours -
Task force probes strange fish deaths in Tema
3 hours -
Neglected traffic lights turn Awoshie–Anyaa highway into deadly hotspot
3 hours -
EOCO declares Dr Gabriel Tanko Kwamigah-Atokple a fugitive over alleged gold fraud
4 hours