Players and officials found guilty of discrimination will now face a minimum 10-game ban under enhanced Football Association rules. These new guidelines toughen previous recommendations, which suggested six to 12 games for aggravated breaches.
The misconduct covered includes express or implied references to ethnic origin, colour, race, nationality, religion, sex, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, or disability. The FA stated that enhanced measures are necessary to tackle discriminatory conduct across the game.
While a minimum 10-match suspension is standard, sanctions exceeding this can be imposed if significant aggravating factors are present. Lesser punishments, with a minimum of six matches, are possible if there are mitigating factors and the individual admits the breach early. A lesser sanction than six matches could only be imposed if the aggravated breach occurred solely in writing.
Former Watford midfielder Pierre Dwomoh received an 11-match ban in June for racially abusing a team-mate. The 22-year-old was also fined £2,500 and ordered to complete a face-to-face education programme by 9 August.