FIFA has emphasized that it will adopt a “zero-tolerance policy” in case allegations of racial abuse are proven, following the suspension and cancellation of two international friendly matches on Monday.
A match between the Republic of Ireland’s under-21s and Kuwait’s under-22s in Austria was canceled after the Irish team alleged that a Kuwaiti player directed a racist insult toward one of their substitutes.
Similarly, a match between the Qatari and New Zealand national teams, also taking place in Austria, was halted and subsequently canceled, after the New Zealand team alleged its player Michael Boxall was racially abused by a Qatari player during the first half.
“FIFA is awaiting official reports before making a decision on the next steps,” a spokesperson for the organization told British news agency PA Media, adding that “FIFA adheres to a policy of zero tolerance towards any form of discrimination, as emphasized by its president (Gianni Infantino) last week.”
Infantino had stated the previous week that referees should suspend matches in the event of any racial abuse.
“It is crucial not only to talk about racism and discrimination but to take decisive and convincing actions and follow a policy of absolute intolerance.” Infantino said, adding that “there is no place for racism in football, so let’s stop the matches if it happens.”
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