Fifa racism measures could see teams expelled or relegated Teams could be relegated or expelled from competitions for serious incidents of racism after tough new powers were voted in by Fifa. 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. Fifa president Sepp Blatter believes the measures 'send a strong signal to the racists that their time is up'. 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. Nonetheless, Blatter accepts further work needs to be done. Fines in football •Â£65,000 to the Serbian FA for racist incidents during their under-21s' game against England in October 2012 •Â£80,000 to Denmark striker Nicklas Bendtner for revealing a sponsor's logo on his underpants during Euro 2012. "While we, in this hall, can all agree that racism must be stopped, more must be done outside, back in our respective home nations," said Blatter. "We need zero tolerance and strict punishments 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 racists that their time is up. "But we need the help of all. We cannot win this battle alone." Fifa commissioned a task force to address the issue of racism after a friendly game between AC Milan and Pro Patria was abandoned due to racist chanting. Their verdict includes putting an official inside the stadium to identify potential acts of racism and ease the pressure on the match referee. Further to the regulations that relate to clubs, the new measures will see any individual who commits a racist offence banned from stadiums for a minimum of five matches. The five-match suspension is one that has been introduced by the Football Association, whose chairman David Bernstein sat on the task force panel in Mauritius. Richard Conway, reporting for BBC Sport in Mauritius, said a concern was raised over those who voted against the tougher racism measures. "Former South African apartheid prisoner Tokyo Sexwale, now a Fifa member, urged congress to check cameras to see who voted against racism rules," he said. "Sexwale says (the) 1% vote against demonstrates how football still has to fight against racism." Source:http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22728162
Nice to see some action being taken. It does make me wonder though, had the new rules been in a while ago, could we have faced relegation over the Suarez incident?
'Their verdict includes putting an official inside the stadium to identify potential acts of racism and ease the pressure on the match referee.' Not sure what this means either. Is the official going to watch the players or the crowd?
'Surely they would have to 100% certain to inflict relegation?' You would think so wouldn't you, but having appointed 'panels' to come to 'verdicts', they may say that's good enough and impose relegation etc based on a panels findings!!!!
lol @ the fact that the bent ****ers chose to have their annual conference in Mauritius This is just the usual empty rhetoric from Blatter, as their recent actions with regards to the punishments handed out for racist incidents proves the level at which they view this issue. As do his previous comments on the matter. There'll no doubt be some 'fall guy' club from the Belarus league who get the full wrath of UEFA / FIFA, but they'll never punish the large European clubs with draconian punishments like relegation. Utter piffle.
Begs the question, will the 'extra official' at Liverpool games be a newly retired manager taking on a new role, first job to relegate Liverpool [I'm not paranoid, honest]
If they are going to do it for the big games then it has to be done for the smaller ones too. What about the Championship, League one, League two, the conference and Everton?
OF course not!!! go look a the reality of the situation in in eastern europe and italy or even spain and there is no comparing isolated incidents to baying crowds and violence, stabbkings, riots etc etc
Totally happy with it, so long as their definition of 'racism' is not just white-on-black as it is with the FA, powar and the whole rent-a-quote, anti-racism mob led by Holt and McGrath.
I wouldn't put anything past them because they make up their own rules - the more ridiculous a situation, the more ridiculous their response.
They wont be able to relegate\expel teams based on that kind of kangaroo panel I would imagine. Actual proof will be needed
