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UEFA president Aleksander Cefe...

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UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin | rules on racism "need to change"

Phil Egan
Phil Egan

12:18 3 Mar 2020


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UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin admits more work needs to be done to tackle racism in football.

Speaking at UEFA Congress in Amsterdam on Tuesday, Ceferin said “things need to change" in relation to racism.

The Slovenian added: "We must begin by applying the rules we already have. That would be a good starting point. That means applying the three-step procedure. We must not be afraid to do so. Everywhere. No exceptions.

"In the last three seasons, the UEFA disciplinary bodies have imposed 73 partial stadium closures and ordered 39 matches to be played behind closed doors following incidents of discrimination.

"That shows that we are doing what is currently in our power to do. But it also shows what a serious problem it is, and that we need to do more. More, and perhaps differently. So we that can be proud of ourselves once again."

UEFA has received criticism for not enforcing harsh enough punishments for racist abuse in the game.

The Bulgarian federation was ordered to play one match behind closed doors - with a further match suspended for two years - over the abuse directed at England's black players during a Euro 2020 qualifier last October.

Ceferin said racism was “a problem in our societies”.

"Football is, above all, a celebration of life, community and unity. It’s an exchange. It’s about sharing."

"The problem is not on the pitch, where diversity is greater than in any other sport and probably any other part of society. The problem is in our societies. And this has to stop."


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