English Football Association set to introduce minimum 5-game ban for racist abuse

LONDON – The English Football Association is due to vote this week to introduce minimum five-game bans for racial abuse.

The sanction will rise if there are aggravating circumstances, people familiar with the situation told The Associated Press about the proposal, which is in response to concerns about a resurgence of racism in the English game.

The people spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the details ahead of the vote at the FA annual general meeting on Thursday.

FA chairman David Bernstein confirmed last week that the organization is preparing to present new anti-racism measures, while stating it wouldn't back proposals by the Union of European Football Associations for a 10-game minimum ban for racist abuse.