FIFA gets tougher on racism in disciplinary code update

ZURICH (AP) — FIFA is doubling its minimum ban for racist incidents to 10 games, and will start inviting players to make victim statements at disciplinary hearings.

Stricter handling of racism and discrimination allegations is a key theme of the redrafted FIFA disciplinary code which takes effect next week.

FIFA says it “will not let down victims of racist abuse (who) may be invited by the respective judicial body to make an oral or written victim impact statement.”

The world soccer body’s disciplinary overhaul includes the option of imposing transfer bans on clubs which default on debts in cases processed by FIFA and the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

FIFA is also preparing to open the doors of some judicial hearings, offer free legal counsel to parties, and publish more verdicts online .