Players found guilty of discriminatory behaviour will now face a minimum 10-match suspension after the Football Association introduced tougher disciplinary measures ahead of the new season.
The strengthened sanctions, which also apply to managers and members of the technical area, form part of the FA’s commitment to creating a game free from discrimination.
Previously, suspensions for aggravated breaches of FA Rule E3.2 ranged from six to 12 matches. The rule covers misconduct involving references to ethnic origin, colour, race, nationality, religion, sex, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation or disability.
Under the revised regulations, a 10-match ban will become the standard minimum punishment for offenders.
The FA said the tougher stance reflects the need to address the continued presence of discriminatory behaviour in football.
“While significant progress has been made in recent years, discriminatory conduct continues to be a challenge across the game,” the FA said in a statement.
“Enhanced measures are necessary to tackle this abhorrent conduct.”
Regulatory commissions will have the power to impose even longer suspensions where significant aggravating factors are identified.
However, bans can be reduced to a minimum of six matches if there are exceptional mitigating circumstances or if the individual admits the offence at the earliest opportunity.
Repeat offenders face even harsher consequences, with those found guilty of two or more aggravated breaches on separate occasions liable to receive suspensions exceeding 12 matches or lengthy time-based bans in the most serious cases.
