Football governing body FIFA has announced a sweeping overhaul of its Disciplinary Code, introducing stricter penalties for individuals and clubs involved in racist incidents.
According to the new rules, players who are subjected to racist abuse can now directly inform the referee, prompting an immediate pause or abandonment of the match, depending on the severity of the incident.
One of the most significant changes is the increase in financial penalties. The maximum fine for clubs or national associations found guilty of racism-related offenses has been set at a staggering $6 million, signaling FIFA’s zero-tolerance approach.
In addition to fines, repeat offenders face much harsher consequences. These include, playing matches behind closed doors (without spectators), points deductions in league or tournament standings, expulsion from ongoing competitions, or even forced relegation in domestic leagues.
The updated code is part of FIFA’s intensified global efforts to eradicate racism from the sport, amid growing demands for meaningful action and accountability.
FIFA is expected to enforce the new regulations immediately, ensuring that clubs and national federations take racism as seriously as other forms of misconduct on and off the pitch.