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The UEFA Statutes provide that a key objective is to promote football throughout Europe in a spirit of peace, understanding, fair play and without discrimination of any kind.
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Similarly, UEFA’s 11 key values contain a pledge that UEFA will adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards racism.
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These same 11 values declare that football must set an example. Football unites people and transcends differences. Respect is therefore a key principle of the game.
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Against this background, European football is united in its firm belief that racism and other forms of discrimination must be kicked out of football, once and for all.
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UEFA and its member associations hereby resolve to re-double their efforts to eradicate racism from football. Stricter sanctions must be imposed for any form of racist behaviour affecting the game.
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Referees should stop, suspend or even abandon a match if racist incidents occur. Following UEFA’s three-step guidelines, a match will first be stopped and a public warning given. Second, the match will be suspended for a period of time. Third, and after coordination with security officers, the match will be abandoned if racist behaviour has not ceased. In such a case the responsible team forfeits the tie.
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Any player or team official found guilty of racist conduct must be suspended for at least ten matches (or a corresponding period of time for club representatives).
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If supporters of a club or national team engage in racist behaviour this must be sanctioned (for a first offence) with a partial stadium closure concerning the section where the racist incident occurred. For a second offence, this must be sanctioned with a full stadium closure, as well as a financial penalty. In addition, supporters found guilty of racist behaviour should be banned from attending matches in future by the state authorities.
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Clubs and national associations are required to run awareness programmes to tackle racism. Furthermore, disciplinary sanctions for any racist behaviour should be accompanied by such awareness programmes, which anti-racism organisations could helpfully assist with. Education will help to address the problem, both in football and in wider society.
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Players and coaches must also be leaders in the fight against racism. Speak out against it – it’s part of your duty to football.
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UEFA is fully committed to these strong sanctioning and awareness policies and all national associations support the implementation of similar policies, having regard to their own domestic circumstances. Football is about leadership, both on and off the field. European football is united against racism. Let’s put a stop to racism. Now.