ZURICH, Switzerland, April 19 (UPI) -- The world soccer governing body's tougher rules against racism went into effect this week, making teams responsible for the actions of their fans.
Germany, the site of the 2006 World Cup, hopes the rules announced by the Federation Internationale de Football Association, would help fight neo-Nazis in its soccer stadiums, reports Deutsche Welle.
The rules say an "official or spectator behaving in a discriminatory or contemptuous manner (that) can be attributed to a certain team" could cost the team three points for a first offense, six for a second and relegation for additional violations.
For matches in which points are not awarded, such as in the World Cup's knock-out rounds, the offending team could be disqualified and member associations excluded for up to two years.
"Racism has, for far too long, been damaging the beautiful game we love," FIFA President Joseph "Sepp" Blatter said. "Now that we have the instruments, together, the soccer family can work to combat racism and discrimination."
