FIFA say they are prepared to extend racism bans globally

FIFA says it may extend punishments globally after racist incidents marred a match between Bulgaria and England.

Raheem Sterling, Kieran Trippier and Jordan Henderson speak with Krasimir Balakov manager of Bulgaria during the UEFA Euro 2020 qualifier in Sofia Picture: Getty Images

FIFA says it may extend discipline globally after racist incidents, including monkey chants directed at black players, marred a match between Bulgaria and England.

Football’s governing body made the statement after the decision by UEFA to charge the Bulgarian FA over the incidents that took place in Sofia on Monday.

“FIFA may extend worldwide any sanctions that a confederation or member association imposes for racist incidents, such as those which occurred in Sofia during the UEFA Euro 2020 qualifier match between Bulgaria and England,” the Zurich-based organisation said.

“FIFA therefore expects to be informed as soon as practicable regarding the relevant decisions of the UEFA disciplinary bodies in relation to this particular case. It would allow any sanctions imposed to be extended worldwide.”

European soccer’s ruling body UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Bulgaria for racist behaviour, including Nazi salutes and chants, and against England for not providing enough travelling stewards.

The game, won 6-0 by England on Monday, was twice halted in the first half and a public announcement was made under UEFA’s three-step protocol for dealing with racist incidents during matches. FIFA president Gianni Infantino said more needed to be done to tackle the “obnoxious disease” of racism.

Police raid the new building of Bulgarian Football Union on Tuesday. Picture: AP

“I call on all football governing bodies to join us and think together of new, stronger and more effective ways to eradicate racism in football,” Infantino said.

“Competition organisers should enact regulations which envisage life bans from stadiums for those found guilty of racist behaviour at a football match.”

Under pressure from the Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov, the nation’s football federation chief Borislav Mihaylov resigned on Tuesday.

The fallout from what English FA chairman Greg Clarke called “probably one of the most appalling nights I have seen in football”, also triggered calls for urgent action from anti-racism campaigners and politicians. A spokesman for British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said UEFA needed to do more to tackle “vile” racism.

Reuters