"While significant progress has been made in recent years, discriminatory conduct continues to be a challenge across the game," an FA statement read. A sanction above the new standard minimum 10-match suspension may be imposed by a regulatory commission if there are "significant" aggravating factors. Shorter bans - with a minimum of six matches - may also be considered when there are mitigating circumstances or an individual has admitted the breach at the earliest opportunity. But a six-match ban would now only be considered in those circumstances - rather than being the standard minimum suspension, as it was before. Individuals who are found to have committed two or more aggravated breaches on separate occasions may face a suspension in excess of 12 matches or time-based suspensions of any duration in "very serious cases".