OFFICIAL: Severe penalty imposed by FA ahead of Premier League season

The Football Association (FA) has officially increased the standard ban for discriminatory conduct to at least 10 games, as part of its efforts to purify the football atmosphere before the new season.

The FA has just released a new disciplinary guideline applicable to "serious violations" involving discriminatory elements. Under the new rules, individuals found guilty of violations will face a suspension from playing or duties of at least 10 matches.

The new regulation applies not only to a single league but across the entire English football system under the FA's jurisdiction. Most notably, this includes the Premier League, which features top clubs like Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City.

The FA's move further demonstrates the trend of taking a tough stance against discriminatory behavior in football, as evidenced by recently adopted rules such as the "hand-over-mouth" rule applied at the 2026 World Cup. In its statement, the FA uses the concept of "serious violations" for actions that directly or implicitly relate to ethnic origin, skin color, race, nationality, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability status.

Previously, the FA often proposed a penalty range of 6 to 12 matches for independent disciplinary committees to consider. With this change, the 10-match ban will become the standard penalty that committees must apply in cases identified as having discriminatory elements.

"We are committed to building a football environment free from discrimination. Despite significant progress in recent years, discriminatory behavior remains a challenge for football", the FA stated.

The most powerful body in English football emphasized that tougher measures are necessary. The penalty can exceed 10 matches if the case involves significant aggravating factors. Repeat offenders risk bans of more than 12 games, or even time-based suspensions rather than match-based ones.

However, in some special cases, the ban can be reduced below 10 matches if the offender has many mitigating circumstances and admits wrongdoing at the earliest opportunity. However, the maximum reduction cannot exceed four games.

If the conduct was carried out only in writing or through communication devices rather than in person, and there are mitigating circumstances, the penalty may be reduced further. Nevertheless, the offender still faces a minimum suspension of three matches.

The new regulations were introduced following several controversial incidents in English football. In the 2024/25 season, the Uruguayan midfielder implied that the Spurs captain and all Koreans "look the same" in an interview. Although he admitted his mistake and received forgiveness from his teammate, Bentacur still faced a heavy 7-match suspension from the FA.

In December 2020, former Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani was banned for three matches and fined £100,000 for using a Spanish phrase considered offensive on social media.

The FA's increase in penalty severity comes amid a record high number of reports received by the anti-discrimination organization Kick It Out in the 2025/26 season. A total of 1,744 cases were reported from professional football, grassroots football, and online platforms.

With the new regulations, players, coaches, and officials in English football will need to be especially cautious in both direct statements and social media activities as the new season begins.