Players, managers, and officials found guilty of discrimination will now face a minimum 10-game ban under updated Football Association rules. Previously, suspensions for aggravated breaches, defined as misconduct referencing ethnicity, color, race, nationality, religion, sex, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, or disability, ranged from six to 12 games.

The FA stated its commitment to a discrimination-free game, noting that while progress has been made, discriminatory conduct remains a challenge. The new guidelines mandate that Regulatory Commissions impose a standard suspension of at least 10 matches for such offenses.

Sanctions exceeding 10 matches are possible with significant aggravating factors. Lesser punishments may be considered with mitigating factors and early admission of the breach, with a six-match minimum in those scenarios. The only exception for a lesser sanction would be if the aggravated breach occurred in writing only. Repeat offenders will face stronger sanctions than for their initial offense.