Fifa to curb racism

Racism will now be dealt with in the same way as any other violation of the disciplinary code Fifa president Sepp Blatter

Fifa has said it will punish member associations that fail to take proper disciplinary action against racist incidents.

The move, which effectively toughens its existing rules on the matter, was ratified by Fifa's executive committee on Wednesday.

Fifa's move was informed by the wave of racism that hit European club football last season, which affected several African and South American players.

Cameroon's Samuel Eto, the reigning African Footballer of the Year, suffered a series of abuse from Spanish supporters while playing for Barcelona last season.

"Fifa has now been assured a legal tool with which to sanction member associations that fail to discipline racist incidents in accordance with the Fifa statutes and the Fifa disciplinary code," the game's ruling body said in a statement.

Sepp Blatter, Fifa's president, said: "Racism will now be dealt with in the same way as any other violation of the disciplinary code."

Blatter also told a news conference that the Ethics and Fair Play committee was considering proposals for a permanent memorial to Marc-Vivien Foe, the Cameroon midfielder who died during the 2003 Confederations Cup in France.

"This is a matter very close to me and one that I have always felt emotional about. We will make a decision in due course," Blatter said.