FA to introduce ethnic quotas for referees and coaches in new move to tackle racism

New plan set to demand at least 10 per cent of entry level officials and coaches throughout the game are from ethnic minorities

The Football Association will introduce new quotas for referees and coaches early in the new year under proposals to tackle racism.

The move is part of a response by football's authorities to the Government's call for tougher action to tackle discrimination and a response to damning criticism - from the likes of Jason Roberts - following two high-profile incidents of racist abuse last season.

Luis Suarez was banned for eight matches for racially abusing Patrice Evra whilst John Terry was banned for four matches for racially abusing Anton Ferdinand.

The 92 point plan by the FA is set to include a demand that at least 10 per cent of entry level officials and coaches are from ethnic minorities, according to The Daily Mail.

Proposals also include moves to increase the presence of women, ethnic minorities and disabled people throughout the game whilst the video and audio technology will be used to identify supporters guilty of racism within the stadium.

A confidential number for players to report discrimination will be introduced - a move that could be a response to Jason Roberts’ claim that some black players did not trust the authorities to fight racism.

Contracts with players and managers are set to include a new mandatory reference to behaving in an inclusive and non-discriminatory manner.

The FA's new guidelines will be distributed to all 92 League clubs, who will be also be expected to sign the charter for action against homophobia and transphobia launched by the Government last year.

The 92 points from the FA proposals could be implemented as far ahead as the 2017-18 season.

The action plan by the FA comes after Professional Footballers' Association chief executive Gordon Taylor said that players and managers coming to England from overseas will have “cultural lessons” to make them aware of rules on discrimination under proposals to tackle racism.

The PFA also gave their support for the FA proposal of a minimum five-game ban for racist abuse.