FIFA passes anti-racism legislation
(AP)
Updated: 2006-03-17 08:39

ZURICH, Switzerland - FIFA passed anti-racism legislation Thursday that could exclude teams for up to two years for violations.

Teams would lose three points for a first offense, six for a second and relegation to a lower division for further violations under the rules passed by the world governing body's executive committee.

Teams could be disqualified from competitions and member associations could be excluded for up to two years.

"The new rules take effect essentially as soon as we can notify the associations by way of a letter," FIFA spokesman Andreas Herren said. "It's not going to take a long time. It applies to all competitions throughout the world at any level. All matches of all types are covered."

The new rules were passed two days after the European Parliament adopted a declaration calling for soccer clubs whose fans or players commit racist offenses to be excluded from competitions.

Barcelona forward Samuel Eto'o, who is from Cameroon, was subjected to racist taunts by fans earlier this month. Spain coach Luis Aragones used racist language to describe Arsenal striker Thierry Henry 17 months ago.