As reported by the Croatian Football Association itself, at the 74th Congress in Bangkok, held back in May, FIFA made a historic decision to approve and assume collective responsibility for the Global Position Against Racism in Football. From now on, the decision will be implemented in all federations under the auspices of Fifa, including at the level of Croatian football.
“The Croatian Football Association will activate programs and actions in each of the five areas of action that support the Global Position Against Racism: rules and sanctions, action on the field, criminal charges, education and player’s voice,” reads the HNS announcement, followed by an explanation. that the FIFA Congress unanimously accepted that matches will be stopped, temporarily and permanently interrupted in cases of racism.
How will it work? Namely, a standard gesture was introduced with which players can signal racist incidents to the referee, and then the referees will implement the three-stage procedure, which is mandatory in all 211 FIFA member associations.
“The three-stage procedure includes the involvement of match officials, competition organizers, teams, players and all other relevant parties, reminding of the mandatory implementation of this procedure at all organized football matches,” reads the HNS announcement, which posted a photo along with the written text. Ivana Rakitić with crossed arms.
How will it work? Namely, a standard gesture was introduced with which players can signal racist incidents to the referee, and then the referees will implement the three-stage procedure, which is mandatory in all 211 FIFA member associations.
So, if a player communicates to the referee with crossed arms, it will be known that he has experienced racist abuse. Hands crossed on the fingers symbolize a gesture against racism, followed by three steps: The referee stops the game, then sends the teams to the dressing rooms. If the racist behavior continues after the restart of the match, the referee will stop it and order to return to the dressing room again. If, on the other hand, the racist behavior continues, the match will be permanently interrupted.
