The International Federation of Football Association (FIFA) has proposed a globally consistent approach to tackling racism in football, including a standard hand gesture for players to report in-match racist incidents.
The international football body's 'Global Stand Against Racism' proposal is reportedly the result of extensive consultations with players worldwide, who are often the initial targets of stadium racism. It will be introduced to all 211 national FIFA associations at its Congress in Bangkok (Thailand) on Friday.
The proposal's first pillar suggests that racism should be classified as a specific offence in all federation disciplinary codes, mandating "specific and severe" punishments, including conceding matches by default.
FIFA requests that all federations adopt a three-step procedure in cases of racist behaviour by spectators. Matches would be interrupted twice, and warnings would be issued for such behaviour. Recurring incidences would result in matches being permanently abandoned.
The federation also seeks to introduce a "global standard gesture" that players can use to signal that a racist offence has transpired by crossing their hands at the wrist level.
Furthermore, the proposal demands racism be recognised as a criminal offence in all national jurisdictions, with severe penalties enacted in countries where racism is already considered an offence.
