FA approve new anti-racism plan

Published Dec. 20, 2012 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

The Football Association board has approved a detailed action plan designed to tackle discrimination.

The Inclusion and Anti-Discrimination Plan has been produced in conjunction with representatives from the football authorities, former players and campaign groups and will be submitted to the government.

The report has been produced in response to the Downing Street summit in February and a Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee Review into racism in football.

FA Chairman David Bernstein said on the FA website: "This is a commitment on behalf of English football to ensure the game is inclusive and free of discrimination.

"Only by the sum of all our parts working together, will we affect further and greater change.

"This continues to be a top priority for me, as chairman of The Football Association and I believe this action plan states our collective commitment and lays out clearly the individual actions to move forward this vital agenda."

Under the new proposals, clubs will face sanctions for failing to deal with racism by players, coaches or their fans.

The FA also says it will strive for at least 10% of referees and level one coaches coming from ethnic minority backgrounds.

Players and coaches arriving from abroad will have to undergo mandatory induction lessons to ensure they are aware of the "British cultural environment".