FIFA Implements Zero-Tolerance Policy: Matches Forfeited for Racist Behavior

The extent to which discriminatory remarks from certain supporters during team confrontations have been increasing has caught FIFA’s attention. The international football governing body has decided to put an end to this behavior by penalizing teams with the forfeiture of the matches concerned. This new disciplinary regulation takes effect as of tomorrow, Tuesday, July 16.

This Regulation covers remarks targeting "skin color, ethnic, geographic or social origin, sex, disability, sexual orientation, language, religion, political opinions, wealth, birth or any other status".

The match referee, once the players have been sent to the locker room, can definitively stop a match if incidents persist.