15th October 2005

Blatter's points off for racism

FIFA president Sepp Blatter wants clubs and countries whose fans chant racist abuse to be deducted points instead of being fined.

And that could affect the Old Firm and other Scottish sides if Blatter's plans cover sectarian abuse as well.

The FIFA chief insisted fines do not work as a deterrent because clubs have so much money to pay them.

He was speaking specifically about black players suffering from racist abuse which is rare in Scotland,unlike sectarianism which is regularly heard at Scottish grounds.

A FIFA spokesman yesterday said Blatter's views on a radio phone-in were the president's personal view but added that football's governing body had long maintained a stance against any sort of abuse Askedabouthowtodealwith clubs with this problem Blatter said: "You have to lose points. A fine is not good enough because there is too much moneyinfootball.Afine is easy.

"It is only when you touch a club or federation of a national team by deducting points that the punishment is effective.

"When it comes to racism it must be a sporting sanction. Clubs have to lose points or you have to give them negative points.Only then can you do it."

There are no definite plans to implement such proposals until after next summer's World Cup in Germany.

And Blatter added: "It would be very dangerous to introduce it at the World Cup as if there was some racism in the World Cup you would deduct points but it could be 'bad' fans who have organised something to have points deducted".

Source: The Daily Record