ZURICH: FIFA president Gianni Infantino wants to see worldwide life bans imposed on fans found guilty of racist abuse.

UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Bulgaria and England following Monday’s Euro 2020 qualifier in Sofia, which was stopped twice as Bulgarian fans made Nazi salutes and directed monkey noises at black England players.

Charges against the Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) include racist behavior, throwing of objects and disruption of a national anthem by home supporters.

The English Football Association has also been charged with disruption of a national anthem, as well as providing an insufficient number of traveling stewards.

‘New, stronger and more effective ways to eradicate racism in football’ Infantino called for “all football governing bodies” to come together and come up with “new, stronger and more effective ways to eradicate racism in football”.

He said in a statement: “As a starting point, I suggest that all competition organizers enact regulations which envisage life bans from stadiums for those who are found guilty of racist behavior at a football match. FIFA can then enforce such bans at a worldwide level.”

Following UEFA’s anti-racism protocols, an announcement was made in the 28th minute of the match warning fans that any further incidents of racist abuse could result in it being abandoned, while another pause before half-time only added to the nasty spectacle.