FRANKFURT, June 29: FIFA has given itself the power to punish member associations who fail to take proper disciplinary action following acts of racism. The move, which effectively toughens its existing rules on dealing with racism issues, was ratified by FIFA’s executive committee on Wednesday.

“FIFA has now been assured a legal tool with which to sanction member associations that fail to discipline racist incidents in accordance with the FIFA statutes and the FIFA disciplinary code,” the game’s ruling body said in a statement.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter said: “Racism will now be dealt with in the same way as any other violation of the disciplinary code.”

Blatter also told a news conference that the Ethics and Fair Play committee was considering proposals for a permanent memorial to Marc-Vivien Foe, the Cameroon midfielder who collapsed and died during the 2003 Confederations Cup in France.

“This is a matter very close to me and one that I have always felt emotional about. We will make a decision in due course,” Blatter said.—Reuters