The Football Association is considering a minimum ten-match ban for players found guilty of discriminatory behaviour.
Figures released yesterday revealed that the reported cases rose by 46% last season, with the FA now looking to follow Fifa's lead with a minimum sanction for racism of ten matches which they doubled last month.
Kick It Out, football’s equality organisation, have stated that the reporting of racist incidents has increased by 67.3% also, from 110 cases to 184 cases.
The FA, Premier League and EFL have now pledged to work together to create more opportunities for BAME people in football but also apply stronger punishments for those found guilty of discriminatory behaviour.
“We are determined to help reduce all forms of discrimination at every level of the game, from grass roots to elite,” an FA spokesman told The Times.
“It’s a matter that we take very seriously and we have already started a consultation process with key stakeholders across the game, including the Leagues, the PFA, the LMA, Kick It Out and others, with the aim of reviewing our sanctioning guidelines for proven cases of discrimination.
“This review involves working on a range of projects to combat discrimination, both on and off the pitch. As part of this, we are reviewing what the minimum match-based suspension for proven cases of discrimination should be to ensure the deterrent in place is appropriate and effective.”
