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FIFA anti-racism chief says game hasn't supported victims as he seeks talks with offenders

By: Rob Harris, The Associated Press

Posted: 03/2/2013 7:11 AM | Comments: 0 | Last Modified: 03/2/2013 3:20 PM

FILE - This May 23, 2012 file photo shows CONCACAF president Jeffrey Webb speaking at the CONCACAF presidential election in Budapest, Hungary. CONCACAF is backing FIFA's proposal to restrict term limits for future presidents and executive committee members, part of the governing body's plans for reforms after a series of corruption scandals. "It is gratifying to see we are finally accompanying this profound renovation of the world of football," said Webb, who joined the FIFA executive board last year. (AP Photo/MTI, Szilard Koszticsak, File)

EDINBURGH, Scotland - FIFA's new anti-racism chief plans to talk with high-profile offenders on the pitch as he sets about formulating tougher sanctions after claiming the victims have been let down by football authorities.

A spate of racial abuse cases among players and fans in recent years has led to FIFA President Sepp Blatter this week appointing Vice-President Jeffrey Webb to head a task force to tackle the problem.

"We've been talking for a long time in football (about racism) and I don't really think that we've supported the players," Webb said on Saturday. "I don't think we've necessarily put the right sanctions in place to support them. It's a travesty that it comes to that."

Some fines imposed by FIFA have been seen as too lenient. FIFA fined Bulgaria and Hungary in January around $40,000 each for racist and anti-Semitic abuse by their fans.

"I really don't think that financial instruments in today's world are enough to deal with it," Webb, who heads CONCACAF, said on the sidelines of a meeting of football's rule-makers in Edinburgh. "With the money that's involved in football today, the fines that are being established, I don't think they're working, obviously."

Blatter has previously said point deductions and relegation punishments are needed as disciplinary options to help deal with discrimination at matches.

The heaviest bans for racist abuse by players have come in England. Liverpool striker Luis Suarez served an eight-match ban for racially abusing Manchester United's Patrice Evra during a match and Chelsea captain John Terry was suspended for four games for hurling insults at Anton Ferdinand at Queens Park Rangers.

Webb plans to make a fact-finding trip to England where he hopes to speak to players, including Suarez, Terry, Evra and Ferdinand.

"I will be meeting with the FA chairman David Bernstein and visiting the FA," Webb said. "At that time I would also like to meet with some of the players, perhaps have a round-table discussion to talk to the players and get their input, get some suggestions from them and learn from what their experiences are. There's a number of players who have been victimized, targeted. Plus we would like to hear both sides really."

Bernstein is pleased that FIFA is recognizing the need to tackle discrimination in football.

"It is vitally important football's governing bodies share experiences and knowledge if we are to properly tackle this issue," said Bernstein, who was at Saturday's International Football Association Board meeting with Webb.

The anti-racism task force was established by Blatter after AC Milan midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng led his teammates off the pitch when he was racially abused during a friendly against Italian fourth-tier side Pro Patria in January.

Webb's panel will have at least six members and he will present his initial findings to the FIFA Congress in May.

Webb, who is from the Cayman Islands, has concerns about the lack of opportunities for black players in higher levels of football.

"I played football and I wanted to go into administration," he said. "Some players ... might want to go into management. Sol Campbell might want to be the next coach for Arsenal. Do they really have that opportunity?"

"We as a football family, overall, have to sit down and take a look in the mirror," Webb added. "What happens to the players after they finish playing? Do they really have a chance at being a professional manager? Do people of colour really have a chance to become executive directors of various clubs and boards?"

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Rob Harris can be reached at http://twitter.com/RobHarris

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