BREAKING: FIFA reveal a new "Three Step Procedure" to tackle racism
What has FIFA issued? And is it consistent?
On the 30th August 2024, FIFA released Circular no. 1985 to all 211 FIFA Member Associations, outlining their new procedure for signalling in game racism, that will be mandatory for all “stakeholders” to implement. Stakeholders namely Referees, Players and Competition Officials.
A “No Racism Gesture” is to be used by Referees , Players and Competition Officials during the game to signal that they have observed or have been subjected to racism.
The gestures being arms crossed at the wrist about chest height with open hands and pointed fingers.
The Three Step Procedure
The Three Step Procedure is summarised as:
Step 1 - Stop The Match.
Step 2 - Suspend The Match.
Step 3 - Abandon The Match.
There is a number of vague points in the poster that is attached to the circular. Discussed below.
Step 1
The title of Step 1 is “Stop The Match” yet the poster states “The referee will decide whether or not to stop the match.”
This would suggest that the referee may not actually stop the match if a player is subjected to racism.
The poster also states the following;
“An announcement is made at the venue to inform everyone of the reasons for stopping the match, and that if the incident does not cease, the match will be suspended”
The words “does not cease” suggests as long as the acts of racism stop it is therefore okay for the match to continue.
Does this go far enough? Is step 1 clear?
Would it send a stronger signal if any racism witnesses resulted in the match automatically stopping and the decision taken away from the referee?
Furthermore, should the match continue whilst the perpetrators / racists still remain in the stands?
Step 2
The Title of Step 2 is “Suspend The Match”
Step 2 outlines what happens if the match restarts and racism is observed again in the same game;
“If the incident does not cease upon the match being restarted, the referee suspends the match and instructs both teams to return to the dressing rooms”.
“An announcement is made at the venue to inform everyone of the reason for stopping the match, and that if the incident does not cease, the match will be abandoned”.
Again the words “does not cease” being used.
Step 3
The Title of Step 3 is “Abandon The Match’
Step 3 outlines how and when a match will be abandoned:
The words “This will only happen after consultation with relevant authorities and experts” & “when it is safe to abandon” may undermine the courage of a player or referee who has stood up to racism during the game and again creates ambiguity as to how and when the match will eventually be abandoned.
Real Madrid and Brazilian international Vinicius Junior in a recent interview with the BBC was quoted as saying;
"In the club, we talk about it more often," said the 24-year-old. "Not just me, but all [the] players said that if that happens, the next time everyone has to leave the field. So that all of those people who insulted us have to pay a much bigger penalty.”
Vinicius Junior and his Real Madrid team mates will leave the pitch if subject to racism.
FIFA needs to make their position on racism clear. Zero tolerance is required not vague posters confusing a subject that is core to the integrity of the sport we love.
The governing body of world football needs to stand shoulder to shoulder with players like Vinicius Junior and send a clear message that any racism will be meet with strong consequences.