UEFA says its executive committee has agreed to introduce a 10-match minimum ban for racist abuse by players or officials.
UEFA has proposed tough sanctions against racism in soccer, including a minimum 10-match ban for players or officials found guilty of abuse.
They turned soccer stadiums into battlegrounds and then fought real wars.
FIFA's anti-corruption advisers urged president Sepp Blatter's executive committee on Friday to "demonstrate leadership" and resist attempts to dilute reforms of soccer's world governing body.
Organized crime gangs have fixed or tried to fix hundreds of soccer matches around the world in recent years, including World Cup and European Championship qualifiers and two Champions League games, Europol announced Monday.
The investigation by Europol, the European Union's joint police body, found 380 suspicious matches in Europe and another 300 questionable games outside the continent, mainly in Africa, Asia and South and Central America.
Mario Balotelli, a headline-grabber at the opposite end of his football career, finalized his switch from Manchester City to AC Milan for $27 million. Otherwise, there was plenty of speculation but precious little activity as the January window prepared to shut on Thursday.
Head-butts in soccer are bad. They are dangerous and can smash noses and cheekbones. Kids, don't try them at home.
This time a year ago, the race between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo for the world player of 2011 award wasn't a race at all, with the Argentine deservedly finishing as the runaway winner. Twelve months on, choosing between these brightest of stars in football's firmament is nigh-on impossible.
