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Johannesburg - A red card is not enough punishment for racist behaviour on the soccer field, FIFA president Sepp Blatter said on Tuesday.
"A red card is not enough, economic sanctions is not enough.
"When there is evidence of racism on the field of play... there is only one sanction, the reduction of points or elimination from the competition," Blatter said at the opening of the FifPro Africa Division Congress in Sandton.
Blatter said the day the world understood there was "one race, the human race", racism would be eradicated.
His words came as FifPro showcased its campaign against racism with the theme "Show Racism the Red Card".
The campaign used the "iconic value of professional footballers" to relay the message of non-racism to young people. It was aimed at educating upcoming footballers as well as society about racism.
The organisation had produced a DVD featuring world-class footballers such as French player Thierry Henri, Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, Chelsea player Didier Drogba, legendary player Garth Crooks and Liverpool player Xabi Alonso.
Blatter fielded questions from young football players from the Stars of Africa football academy. One young player quizzed Blatter on the consequences of fans displaying racist behaviour.
The FIFA president said a club or team was responsible for its fans.
Social responsibility existed in the whole football family, he said and added that according to FIFA rules, punishment started with a yellow card and could include exclusion from the tournament.
Meanwhile, Blatter reiterated his confidence in Africa and South Africa hosting the football spectacular in the country next year.
He also described the Confederations Cup as "exceptionally good".
"A red card is not enough, economic sanctions is not enough.
"When there is evidence of racism on the field of play... there is only one sanction, the reduction of points or elimination from the competition," Blatter said at the opening of the FifPro Africa Division Congress in Sandton.
Blatter said the day the world understood there was "one race, the human race", racism would be eradicated.
His words came as FifPro showcased its campaign against racism with the theme "Show Racism the Red Card".
The campaign used the "iconic value of professional footballers" to relay the message of non-racism to young people. It was aimed at educating upcoming footballers as well as society about racism.
The organisation had produced a DVD featuring world-class footballers such as French player Thierry Henri, Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, Chelsea player Didier Drogba, legendary player Garth Crooks and Liverpool player Xabi Alonso.
Blatter fielded questions from young football players from the Stars of Africa football academy. One young player quizzed Blatter on the consequences of fans displaying racist behaviour.
The FIFA president said a club or team was responsible for its fans.
Social responsibility existed in the whole football family, he said and added that according to FIFA rules, punishment started with a yellow card and could include exclusion from the tournament.
Meanwhile, Blatter reiterated his confidence in Africa and South Africa hosting the football spectacular in the country next year.
He also described the Confederations Cup as "exceptionally good".
