Black or White: FIFA Approves New Measures For Racial Offender.

Sepp Blatter.
Sepp Blatter.

FIFA has approved measures proposed to clamp down on racism and discrimination in FIFA organised sporting events.

The ‘resolution on the fight against racism and discrimination’ was passed with a 99 per cent majority at the world governing body’s congress in Mauritius.

Teams could be relegated or expelled from competitions for serious racism incidents.

First or minor offences will result in either a warning, fine or order for games to be played behind closed doors.

Re- offenders or serious incidents could lead to a points deduction, expulsion from competition or relegation.

As part of the regulations- this one mainly relates to club matches- any individual who commits a racist offence will be banned from stadiums for a minimum of five matches.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter believes these measures will “send a strong signal to the racists that their time is up.” The Swiss also accepts further work needs to be done.

A supporter of Turkish football club Fenerbahce holds a banana in his hand while Galatasaray players arrived on field before the Turkish Super League football match between Fenerbahce and Galatasaray at the Sukru Saracoglu stadium in Istanbul on May 12, 2013.
A supporter of Turkish football club Fenerbahce holds a banana in his hand while Galatasaray players arrived on field before the Turkish Super League football match between Fenerbahce and Galatasaray at the Sukru Saracoglu stadium in Istanbul on May 12, 2013.

“While we, in this hall, can all agree that racism must be stopped, more must be done outside, back in our respective home nations,” Blatter said.

“We need zero tolerance and strict punishment everywhere. We must lead. We must set a tough, uncompromising example.

“Football can show the way. We can make a difference. With our newly- formed task force, led by Jeffrey Webb, and the tough resolution before you this week, we can send a strong signal to the racist that their time is up.

“But we need the help of all. We cannot win this battle alone.”

After the friendly match between Ac Milan and Pro Patria that was later abandoned because of racist chants aimed at Milan’s Kevin- Prince Boateng, FIFA commissioned a task force to address the issue of racism.

The task force’s verdict includes having an official inside the stadium to identify potential acts of racism and ease the pressure on the match referee.