UEFA have announced that they will introduce tougher sanctions on players and clubs found guilty of racism.
The governing body of European football have revealed today that any player found guilty of racial abuse will receive a 10-match ban, whilst teams will see their stadiums partially closed, for a first time offence, and fully closed for a second offence.
UEFA have announced that they will introduce tougher sanctions on players and clubs found guilty of racism.
The governing body of European football have revealed today that any player found guilty of racial abuse will receive a 10-match ban, whilst teams will see their stadiums partially closed, for a first time offence, and fully closed for a second offence.
“We have to have sanctions and they must have a deterrent effect,” UEFA general secretary Giannin Infantion told the Soccerex forum in Manchester.
“What we are proposing is if a player or official is convicted of racism they should receive a 10-match suspension at least.
“If supporters at a club are found guilty of racist abuse the first sanction will be a partial closure of the part of the stadium from which the racist abuse took place. For a second offence there will be the full closure and a minimum fine of €50,000.
“These measures will be approved by the executive committee by May. We shall also submit to the whole of Uefa's member associations a resolution asking that all members should implement the same measures.”
The new measures will apply to sides in the Champions League and the Europa League, starting next season, as well as international teams participating in the European Championships.
The issue of racism has come to the fore-front recently following several incidents in Europe, and Italy especially.
Kevin-Prince Boateng walked off during a friendly match between Milan and Pro Patria earlier this year after being subject to racial abuse.
Whilst Lazio have been ordered to play two Europa League matches behind-closed-doors following the behaviour of their fans.