FIFA introduces new measures against discriminatory behaviour

World football governing body, FIFA has introduced a three-step plan designed to end discrimination in the sports at the Confederations Cup in Russia.

Referees have been given special authority to halt or even abandon games in the event of discriminatory behaviour.

It is also gathered there will be specially trained 'match observers' who will be on hand to monitor fans from both teams and send any relevant evidence to FIFA's Disciplinary Committee for possible further action.

"For the first time in an official tournament, FIFA will use a three-step procedure in case of discriminatory incidents and also deploy anti-discrimination observers at all matches of the FIFA Confederations Cup 2017," world football's governing body said in a statement.

"With this three-step procedure, referees will have the authority to first stop the match and request a public announcement to insist that the discriminatory behavior cease, to then suspend the match until the behavior stops following another warning announcement, and finally, if the behavior persists, to decide to abandon the match.

"The match observers are coordinated and trained by the Fare network, an Organization with a long track record of monitoring and fighting discrimination in football. Based on Fare's 'Global Guide to discriminatory practices in football,' the match observers will monitor the behavior of fans from both teams, as well as any spectators who are not affiliated with a particular team playing in the match.

"Should any discriminatory incidents occur during a match, the evidence collected by the match observers will be forwarded to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee for review and potential action. Furthermore, the match observers will support operational staff in resolving incidents of discrimination before and during the matches by being directly in touch with security personnel."

FIFA president Gianni Infantino described the measures as "ground-breaking changes in the global fight against discrimination that will mark the 2017 edition of the FIFA Confederations Cup".

Vitaly Mutko, Russia's Deputy Prime Minister, and Local Organising Committee (LOC) chairman added: "We are pleased that Russia has been entrusted with the mission to become the first host country of the Confederations Cup and the World Cup to implement such initiatives with the aim of making world football better.

"This is a very honorable role and a big responsibility, and we are confident that the forthcoming Tournament of Champions will be held in an atmosphere of celebration and hospitality towards all guests and teams of the Confederations Cup."

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Qatar World Cup not under threat - Gianni Infantino

With Qatar facing what FIFA president Gianni Infantino described as a "diplomatic crisis," the future of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar would seemingly be in doubt. But Infantino discussed the situation this weekend, reconfirming FIFA's stance to have the bid winners host the 2022 tournament. Here's everything you need to know from Infantino's comments:

What happened?

Egypt, UAE, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia cut ties with Qatar last week under accusations of "supporting regional terror groups." It was the latest potential black eye on the host country of the 2022 World Cup. The concern was, if this indeed was true, how could this nation properly host the world's biggest and most important sporting event?

What did the FIFA president say?

Infantino, speaking to Swiss publication Le Matin Dimanche, was asked whether he thought Qatar was in jeopardy of losing the World Cup. Here's what he said:
"No. In any case, I am not in the habit of speculating and I'm not going to this time either," he said.
"The essential role of FIFA, as I understand it, is to deal with football and not to interfere in geopolitics.
"We are indeed facing a diplomatic crisis."
The FIFA president expects the country to 'return to normal' in time for the cup.
"But on the other hand, I am confident that the region will return to a normalized situation," he said.

What's next?

Most people feel like Qatar is a ridiculous place to host the World Cup -- especially due to recent accusations of corruption, human rights issues, extreme desert conditions year-round and now allegations of supporting regional terror groups -- but it looks like there won't be any other choice. With a soccer history that rivals Antarctica (I'm kidding, maybe?), it looks like there is no way it gets moved with Infantino reaffirming FIFA's stance. That, on top of all the work and money being spent in preparation for the cup, it looks like we are stuck with our first winter tournament.

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