FIFA's Infantino calls for automatic forfeits for teams over racist abuse
Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 22.01.24. | 12:36
This reaction comes after Udinese fans aimed monkey chants at AC Milan and France goalkeeper Mike Maignan
FIFA's president, Gianni Infantino, has called for worldwide stadium bans for fans and 'automatic forfeits' for teams whose supporters hurl 'abhorrent' abuse following racist incidents at club matches in Italy and England.
The head of the governing body, the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), said there was no place for discrimination of any kind in the sport or wider society.
"The events that took place in Udine and Sheffield on Saturday are totally abhorrent and completely unacceptable," he said in a statement.
"The players affected by Saturday's events have my undivided support."
Fans aimed monkey chants at AC Milan and France goalkeeper Mike Maignan during the Rossonerri dramatic 3-2 win at Udinese, with the game temporarily halted.
In a strongly worded statement on X, formerly Twitter, the France team said:
"You have all our support, Mike Maignan. The FFF [French Football Federation] totally condemns all racist acts."
*video of racism to maignan*
— Inside Milan (@_InsideMilan) January 22, 2024
absolutely not acceptable. how is this still happening in 2024. pic.twitter.com/x0ZmOhJtKr
France captain Kylian Mbappe also offered his backing to his international teammate.
"You are very far from being alone, Mike Maignan, we are all with you," wrote the Paris Saint-Germain star.
Infantino added:
"As well as the three-step process (match stopped, match re-stopped, match abandoned), we have to implement an automatic forfeit for the team whose fans have committed racism and caused the match to be abandoned, as well as worldwide stadium bans and criminal charges for racists.
"FIFA and football shows full solidarity to victims of racism and any form of discrimination. Once and for all: No to racism! No to any form of discrimination!"
