Italy plans to enforce racism rules

The FIGC, in an effort to thwart the social evil that is racism, especially in football, has issued a number of rules, including an automatic 10-match ban and closing parts of the stadium.

A meeting that took place on 5th June 2013 put the disciplinary regulation in motion, with the tough new UEFA sanctions imposed recently.

Now any person who “insults the human dignity of a person or group of persons, including reasons tied to the colour of skin, race, religion or ethnic origin, will receive a ban of at least 10 games or any other sanction considered appropriate.”

This is twice the 2012 minimum five-match ban. The regulations will be as follows:

- Supporters of a club engaging in racist behavior will see a minimum punishment of partial closure of their stadium.

- If there is a second instance, the club will be fined €50,000 and forced to play behind closed doors.

- Any further instances of offensive behavior will be punished with more than one game behind closed doors, losing a match, points deduction or even disqualification from a competition.

- And the clincher: If the game is suspended by the referee due to racist and/or discriminatory behaviour, the win could be awarded to the other team.

Source: Football Italia