Rome - The Italian football federation (FIGC) will introduce the suspension of games in case of racist chants and slurs by fans from next season onwards.

The FIGC said on its website late Tuesday that it is the first federation in the world to pass such a measure.

Under current FIGC rules games were only suspended, or started delayed, if insulting banners were shown.

An official named by the Ministry of the interior is in charge of asking the referee to suspend the game.

If fans misbehave in the future, they will first be told stop their discriminatory behaviour while the teams remain on the pitch. If a suspension lasts more than 45 minutes, the referee will call off the game and provide a report to a sports judge for sanctions.

Clubs whose fans offend opposing players or teams are fined or ordered to play behind closed doors. (dpa)