FIFA president Sepp Blatter has called for tougher punishment for teams and associations found guilty of racism and discrimination and said monetary sanctions had become increasingly ineffective. Blatter wants teams to be docked points, suspended or even relegated if their supporters are found guilty of racist abuse.
“We have to punish not only through fines and stadium closures but we have to use our rules to suspend teams, to take away their points or even to relegate them if racism continues,” Blatter told the Confederation of African Football congress in Cairo.
Blatter, who is bidding to be re-elected in May, spoke in Cairo on Tuesday with African countries expected to support his candidacy.
Blatter reminded African countries of extensive financial support to the continent’s football associations from the world football’s governing body. He said FIFA had spent some $700 million on various programmes across Africa.
He added: “We should maybe spend more to prepare a better future for the children.”
Blatter’s comments mirrored those of his challengers, Prince Ali bin Al Hussein, Michael van Praag and Luis Figo, who were all in attendance in Cairo.
