FIFA to reduce penalties for racism

This is another of the great novelties of the reform of the Disciplinary Code that has just been carried out by the legal system of the highest body. Through educational activities, security measures and activities with NGOs and supporters

In World of sports We tell you about the important news that the FIFA in its Disciplinary Code. And another one of them has to do with sanctioning associations and clubs responsible for the discriminatory or racist behavior of their followers.

With the new regulatory change, when the association or club in question commits to developing an action plan against discrimination, focusing on three main areas, then the judicial bodies of FIFA they may decide to impose less than the minimum penalty. Penalties currently included in article 15 of the Disciplinary Code on Discrimination and says the following in its first point: “Any person who threatens the dignity or integrity of a country, a person or a group of people who uses words or offensive, discriminatory. or offensive actions for reasons of race, color, ethnic, national or social origin, sex, disability, sexual orientation, language, religion, political position or any other nature, purchasing power, place of birth or for any other status or reason shall be subject to a suspension lasting at least ten games or a specified period, or to any other appropriate disciplinary measure.”

But specifically in point two where he talks about possible penalties for this type of behavior: “If one or more followers of a federation or a club adopt the behavior described in section 1 , The following disciplinary measures may be imposed on the responsible federation or club:

1- In the case of the first offense, playing a match with a limited number of spectators and a fine of at least 20,396 euros

2.- In the case of recidivism or if the circumstances of the case require it, disciplinary measures such as the implementation of a prevention plan, a fine, the reduction of points, the dispute of one or more games behind closed doors, the banning of playing in a certain stadium, a defeat by departure or resignation, exclusion from a competition or relegation”

Well, according to this new adaptation of the regulations, the minimum penalty of an association or a club can be changed when it commits to the development of a global plan that guarantees the fight against discrimination and avoid incidents. The plan must be approved by FIFA and will include, as a minimum, the following three areas

1.- Educational activities, including a communication campaign aimed at fans and the general public. The effectiveness of the campaign will be reviewed periodically.

2.- Security measures and dialogue, including a policy on how to identify and deal with offenders through sanctions, a policy to increase the criminal authorities of the state, and a dialogue with fans and influencer how to generate change.

3.- Partnerships, including collaboration with supporters, NGOs, experts and stakeholders to advise and support the action plan and ensure effective and continuous implementation.