UEFA agrees tougher sanctions to fight racism
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E-mail Shanghai Daily, May 24, 2013
Players or officials found guilty of racist offenses in European club matches or internationals will face a minimum ban of 10 matches under tougher disciplinary regulations approved by UEFA's executive committee yesterday.
The executive will also propose to their annual Congress in London today that all their 53 national associations adopt the same sanction, although the English FA announced last week it would be imposing a minimum five-match ban for racist offenses.
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Inter Milan supporters were seen waving plastic bananas at AC Milan forward Mario Balotelli during their derby fixture. |
UEFA General Secretary Gianni Infantino told a news conference following the executive meeting in central London that clubs would also face partial closure of stadiums for a first incident of racist abuse by fans and a full closure for a second offense plus a 50,000 euros (US$64,400) fine. There will also be an increased ban for players or officials insulting or assaulting match officials.
In the past, a two-match ban could be imposed for insulting the referee or officials but that has been increased to three matches, while the penalty for assault has been increased from 10 to 15 matches.
"We are sending a very strong message that this kind of behavior will no longer be tolerated in any form," Infantino said.
The new sanctions, adopted by the executive committee, will initially apply to all matches in European competition, with UEFA hoping its members adopt the same punishments for their domestic matches. That will be discussed at the Congress today.
The debate on racism intensified this season after AC Milan midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng led his team off a field during a friendly match in Italy after facing abuse from fans.
UEFA has been criticized in the past for only fining national associations for racist abuse by fans.
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