‘We have to implement an automatic forfeit’ - FIFA president Gianni Infantino asks teams to take drastic measures following racial abuse

Coventry City's Kasey Palmer and AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan were allegedly subject to a racist chant on Saturday.

After Mike Maignan reported monkey noises from a group of Udinese supporters, the AC Milan players walked off the field. 

Players have come out to declare support for both players and ask for stiffer punishment for racial abuse

In a post on X, Infantino stated that clubs with racially hostile fans should face harsher punishments. 

The statement, published on behalf of FIFA as reported by Daily Mail, read, “The events that took place in Udine and Sheffield on Saturday are totally abhorrent and completely unacceptable. 

“There is no place for racism or any form of discrimination - both in football and in society. The players affected by Saturday’s events have my undivided support. 

“We need ALL the relevant stakeholders to take action, starting with education in schools so that future generations understand that this is not part of football or society. 

“As well as the three-step process (match stopped, match re-stopped, match abandoned), we have to implement an automatic forfeit for the team whose fans have committed racism and caused the match to be abandoned as well as worldwide stadium bans and criminal charges for racists. 

“FIFA and football shows full solidarity to victims of racism and any form of discrimination. Once and for all: No to racism! No to any form of discrimination!”

Meanwhile, AC Milan announced that they will not post on their social media page in support of Maignan.