The Football Association (FA) is set to increase the minimum punishment for discriminatory behaviour to 10 matches. This change, effective from the start of the new season, aims to address behaviour the FA states "continues to be a challenge across the game."
The new minimum suspension will apply to players and other football participants found guilty of an "aggravated breach" of the FA’s disciplinary rules on improper conduct, which includes discriminatory behaviour against protected characteristics. Currently, the minimum ban for such a breach is six matches.
Under the updated guidelines, a punishment of fewer than 10 matches will only be permitted if sufficient mitigating factors are presented and the individual pleads guilty to the charge. During the 2025-26 season, 10 individuals were found guilty of aggravated breaches, receiving bans ranging from six to nine matches.
The FA stated, "Enhanced measures are necessary to tackle this abhorrent conduct, and our updated sanction guidelines will now require regulatory commissions to impose a standard suspension of at least 10 matches in these circumstances." The new rules allow some flexibility, with cases involving aggravated breaches "in writing only or via any communication device" potentially receiving a punishment as low as three matches if mitigating factors are accepted. However, a second offence could lead to bans exceeding a year.