FIFA shows Croatia only a Yellow for Racism

In soccer, a yellow card is a cautionary measure for what FIFA deems “unsporting behavior of a less serious nature.” If such a behavior is deemed “serious,” then a red card is shown and the player is sent off and suspended. A second yellow card in a match is considered an indirect red card and merits the same disciplinary action. Realizing this is well known to even non-soccer fans, FIFA utilized this knowledge in their fight against racism.

One of FIFA’s slogans in their philanthropic plight to end racism is “show racism the red card.” Catchy but is also a statement about their level of intolerance towards such behavior. Which is why I was surprised when after an investigation into racist behavior amongst Croatian fans, FIFA forgot its own rules.

The allegations, which include “racist chanting” and “racist behavior,” apparently occurred on three separate occasions: two qualifying matches against England, one recently during a qualifying match for the 2010 World Cup, and then another during Croatia’s 2008 Euro quarterfinal match against Turkey. One such chant allegedly included “monkey chants.”

Appalled, I was anxious to see what type of punishment FIFA had put in place for such despicable behavior. I was hoping for a direct red card. They announced last month a fine on the Croatia Football Federation CHF 30,000 ($26,759.25) for the fans’ actions against England in September. This turns out to be the second fine for Croatia. FIFA submitted a smaller fine for fans’ behavior at the 2008 Euro quarterfinals. Sounds like racism only received a yellow card.

FIFA’s disciplinary code under article 58 states in concerns to racist behavior: “where supporters of a team breach at a match, a fine of at least CHF 30,000 shall be imposed on the association or club.” I obviously have a couple of problems with FIFA’s handling of this situation.

First, if Croatia had already been fined less than CHF 30,000 as result of behavior at Euro ‘08, why has FIFA followed up a second offense with just another fine? I assume Croatia was shown leniency in hopes the behavior would be corrected. It didn’t happen. Secondly, how does a fine hurt the fans? It only hurts the Croatian FA.

FIFA has several options, according to their disciplinary code, that they should have taken. The document puts fan liability on the respective association. “The visiting association or visiting club is liable for improper conduct among its own group of spectators…. Supporters occupying the way sector of a stadium are regarded as the visiting association’s supporters (article 74 paragraph 2). I absolutely agree.

Additional sanctions are noted in article 58 in response to continued racist behavior. They include playing matches behind closed doors, forfeiting a match, deducting points, and disqualification. Furthermore, fans that continually breach “shall receive a ban of at least two years.”

My question is – what are you waiting for, FIFA? Your own disciplinary plan lays out the punishments, all you have to do is enforce them. Here’s what I would liked to have seen done following Croatian fans’ third offense:

Since the latest offense occurred during a World Cup qualifying match – dock Croatia three points. Turn their next win into a loss so the fans can see the result of their behavior in the standings.

At neutral sites, which is where all these offenses have occurred, do not provide Croatian fans a designated section. Sit everyone throughout the stadium randomly. Eliminate their power in numbers. If the behavior continues, it will be much easier to pinpoint individuals wherein it will give FIFA the ability to punish those responsible with a two year ban as they have so noted in their disciplinary code.

Should this behavior ever occur at a home game in Croatia, then ban all home games for a year. Make Croatia play home games at a neutral site where FIFA can control Croatian fans that attend. The “behind closed doors” sanction in the code won’t work because it punishes the other team and its fans for Croatia’s inability to comply.

One thing is for certain: FIFA is certainly justified in their quest to fight against racism in their sport; I applaud their efforts to put this at the forefront of its international schedule. The Croatian incidents may be FIFA’s first instance to prove their seriousness against racism publicly. Sadly, they stumbled. Instead of showing racism the red card, FIFA pulled two yellows. I may be an American soccer novice, but even I know that two yellows make a red.

FIFA Disciplinary Code
FIFA fines Croatia FA – FIFA.com
Croatian federation fined for fans’ racist behaviour against Heskey – guardian.co.uk