The Football Association (FA) has introduced a minimum 10-match suspension for players, managers, and technical area staff found guilty of discrimination, effective from the new season.
Minimum standard ban for an aggravated discrimination offence under new FA rules.
The previous standard for an aggravated breach of FA Rule E3.2 was a suspension ranging from six to 12 matches. The new standard minimum for such a breach is 10 matches. A shorter ban of at least six matches may be imposed if mitigating circumstances exist or if the breach is admitted early. For breaches occurring solely in writing, a penalty below six matches is possible, according to the FA.
A second aggravated breach will result in a stronger sanction than a first offence. In very serious cases, two or more aggravated breaches on separate occasions could lead to a suspension of more than 12 matches or a time-based suspension, the FA said.
An aggravated breach covers misconduct involving references to ethnic origin, colour, race, nationality, religion, sex, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, or disability.
Enhanced measures are necessary to tackle this abhorrent conduct.
While significant progress has been made, discriminatory conduct continues to be a challenge.