FIFA urges referees to abandon games for racism
After the racist chanting directed at Kalidou Koulibaly during the Inter - Napoli game football's authorities want the rules to be strictly applied.
FIFA will urge referees to take rapid, decisive action against racism, with the order coming directly from the organisation's president Gianni Infantino, who is "upset and scandalised by the insults aimed at Kalidou Koulibaly" during the game between Inter Milan and Napoli on Boxing Day.
FIFA to demand referees take action over racism
Infantino has talked the matter over with his head of refereeing Massimo Busacca, who will send a circular to every affiliated referee requiring them to "strictly apply the regulations during racist incidents at grounds".
The FIFA rules call for the match to be abandoned where there are serious racist incidents, such as those suffered by Koulibaly during the match at the San Siro. The rules require the referee to "stop the match and instruct the stadium authorities to read out an announcement, calling upon the spectators to stop the discriminatory behaviour".
Where the behaviour continues, the referee is required to have another announcement made, "suspend the match and send the players to their dressing rooms for a specified period".
Finally, if the discriminatory behaviour continues or starts again, the referee should abandon the match.
In addition to requiring referees to strictly follow these rules, FIFA are planning to send observers to stadiums where fans have a history of racist behaviour. Where there is repeated racist behaviour clubs may be expelled from competitions.