English soccer strengthens sanctions on discrimination

English soccer is tightening disciplinary rules for discriminatory behavior after the Football Association (FA) confirmed plans to harden sanctions tied to race, religion and sexual orientation. Under new guidelines, regulatory commissions will be required to impose suspensions of at least 10 matches when incidents are judged “aggravated breaches” of misconduct. The FA said such breaches include “express or implied reference” to ethnic origin, color, race, nationality, religion, belief, sex, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation and disability. The FA said “enhanced measures are necessary” to tackle the conduct, while mitigating factors can lead to suspensions above or below 10 games.