UEFA Urges Referees to Abandon Matches in Case of Racism

During a meeting in Bulgaria's capital Sofia, UEFA called upon referees to stop matches when there are incidents of racism.

In a resolution issued in conjunction with the European Clubs Association (ECA) and the world players' union FIFPro, European soccer's governing body reminded referees that they had been authorisied four years ago to stop matches in case of serious racism incidents from the stands or on the pitch.

The resolution also called on coaches and players to speak out "even if it meant criticising their own players and fans".

The resolution urged state authorities to "arrest, prosecute and ban from stadia for significant periods those responsible for racist acts."

The Professional Football Strategy Council (PFSC), composed of representatives of Europe's national associations (UEFA), clubs (ECA), leagues (EPFL) and players (FIFPro Division Europe), unanimously adopted the resolution during its meeting on 27 March in Sofia, Bulgaria. This resolution was also ratified by the UEFA Executive Committee on Thursday in Sofia.

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