Racism has been shown the red card

Teams could be relegated or expelled from competitions for serious incidents of racism after tough new powers were voted in by FIFA, who passed the anti-racism resolution with a 99% majority at its congress in Mauritius. First or minor offences will result in either a warning, a fine, or an order for a match to be played behind closed doors. Serious or repeat offences can now be punished by a points deduction, expulsion, or relegation. Further to the regulations that relate to clubs or international teams, the new measures will also see any individual who commits a racist offence banned from stadiums for a minimum of five matches. This new development could really make a difference to how people feel about soccer. Also making a difference is the fact that the US has eased restrictions on the sale of mobile phones and other communications devices, software, and services to Iranians. The move is intended to promote Iranians' political freedom, countering what the US describes as Tehran's efforts to "silence its people". The shift marks the first time Apple's iPhone, as well as inferior devices based on Android, can be exported legally to Iran. The US had toughened sanctions in recent years in an effort to force Iran to curb its nuclear programme, but they have finally realised that the sanctions in question, despite having good intentions, had undermined human rights and civil society efforts of Iranians, and helped the regime. I hope Obama can keep the good times rolling until a new president is inaugurated in 2017.