LONDON — UEFA has approved new guidelines for referees to act against racism in football stadiums, which could see matches abandoned because of offensive chants.

The executive committee of European football's governing implemented a three-step procedure Thursday with immediate effect.

A referee should first demand over the public address system that fans' racist behavior should stop. If the abuse doesn't stop, the match should be suspended for around five to 10 minutes with the teams sent to the dressing rooms.

If the racist behavior continues when the match is restarted, it should be abandoned.