Racism rules effective now - Fifa

Blatter says action needed to be taken after recent events

Football's governing body Fifa has announced its new anti-racism measures will come into immediate effect.

Match suspensions, points deductions and disqualification from competitions are to be deployed by Fifa as possible punishments against acts of racism.

"I can tell you the new rules for racism are immediately applicable," Fifa president Sepp Blatter said.

"From now on they are valid so it's the end of non-compliance with what our society is asking football to do."

Blatter, who proposed the amendments to Fifa's disciplinary code, said national associations would be receiving details of the new measures by Monday.

It applies to all competitions throughout the world at any level - all matches of all types are covered Fifa spokesman Andreas Herren Send us your comments

The associations were expected to introduce them into their own statutes immediately. Blatter added: "I do not agree (that more time will be needed). This has been an emergency decision in an emergency situation."

Clubs now face being deducted three points for a first offence, six for a second and relegation for further offences.

Member associations failing to implement them face being banned from international football for two years.

The new measures will also apply to this year's World Cup.

Cameroon international and Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o has been a victim of persistent racial abuse in La Liga.

He recently had to be stopped from walking off the pitch after receiving abuse during a game against Real Zaragoza.

Zaragoza were fined just £6,000 by the Spanish Football Federation.