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UEFA proposes 10-match ban for racism

ESPN staff
April 10, 2013
Kevin Prince Boateng walked off the pitch after being abused in Italy © Getty Images
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Players or officials found guilty of racial abuse could face a minimum 10-match ban under proposals by UEFA.

Speaking at the SoccerEx conference in Manchester on Wednesday, UEFA general secretary Gianni Infantino outlined the body's plans to tackle racism in football.

Infantino explained that if there is racism in the stands at matches then clubs could face a partial closure of their stadium, as well as a fine.

And if there is further racism in the stands, Infantino said there will be a "full closure of the stadium and a minimum fine of €50,000".

The Swiss also said referees would be encouraged to abandon matches if there was racist abuse from fans towards players at games.

The proposed sanctions would affect all matches in European competition and would reportedly come into effect for the start of next season.

The debate on racism intensified this season when AC Milan's Kevin-Prince Boateng was racially abused by supporters during a friendly against Pro Patria in January and walked off the pitch.

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