FIFA has made punishments more strict for teams and fans who show serious racist abuse toward players.

The new measures were passed by a 99 percent majority in a secret ballot of FIFA member countries, according to the Associated Press. FIFA is cracking down on racist behavior after recent problems in Italy and England. 

New regulations may leave a team banned from competing in a tournament if the club or its fans show repeat offenses. Also if any player or official is found guilty of racism, they will be suspended from at least five matches.

BET Sports News — Get the latest news and information about African-Americans in sports including weekly recaps, celebrity news and photos of your favorite Black athletes. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter. 

Get ready for the BET Experience, featuring Beyoncé, Snoop Dogg, R. Kelly, Erykah Badu, Kendrick Lamar and many more. Go here for more details and info on how to buy tickets. Sign up now to attend free film screenings, celebrity basketball games and more.

(Photo: AP Photo/Lapresse, Davide Spada, File)