( CNN ) -- In European soccer , the punishment for racially abusing an opponent is a 10-match ban . In American football , the same offense could result in the offending team being penalized 15 yards . That 's the proposal on the table when the NFL 's Competitions Committee meets next week , as the body considers penalizing players for using abusive language during games . High on the list of derogatory slurs the NFL is trying to outlaw is use of the ' N-word ' , while penalties for homophobic comments are also being discussed . A second incident could result in ejection . `` It is a potential rule modification being discussed by our Competition Committee , '' the NFL statement read . `` The committee has not decided on a formal proposal to our clubs , who have to approve rule changes by a 3/4 vote ( 24 of 32 teams ) . `` Rule change proposals are presented to our teams at our annual league meeting in late March . `` The game officials already have substantial authority to police verbal abuse/unsportsmanlike conduct and they understand the league 's focus on respect . '' Should the Competitions Committee decide to approve the proposal , the body will then present their findings to the NFL 's owners at a meeting in March . Racism became a major issue in the NFL last year after the Miami Dolphins suspended offensive lineman Richie Incognito for detrimental conduct following allegations of misconduct from teammate Jonathan Martin . An independent investigation found continuing threats and verbal and physical abuse , text messages , racial slurs and vulgar sexual comments made about Martin 's mother and sister by Incognito and some of his Dolphins teammates . Another Dolphins player , an unnamed offensive lineman , was allegedly subjected to homophobic name calling and improper physical touching . Incognito 's lawyer said the report is replete with errors , adding : `` The truth ... .is that Jonathan Martin was never bullied by Richie Incognito or any member of the Dolphins ' Offensive line , '' said Attorney Mark Schamel , in a statement to CNN . In Europe , racism generated plenty of unwanted headlines throughout 2013 - a year which featured two walk-offs involving famous Italian side AC Milan . Former Ghana international Kevin-Prince Boateng led his team off during a friendly against lower tier Pro Patria in January , while Guinea 's Kevin Constant simply left the pitch himself in a separate incident during a match against Serie A side Sassuolo in July . One of the most high profile cases came in 2011 when Liverpool star Luis Suarez was banned for eight games after a football association panel found him guilty of racially abusing Manchester United 's Patrice Evra . In Italy , several clubs have been punished after their fans were adjudged to have racially abused visiting players - with Lazio alone having paid $ 300,000 in fines last year after being charged four times by European football 's governing body UEFA . Last year , UEFA announced that players and officials will face a 10-match ban if found guilty of racist abuse . Hidden Dangers ? In the United States , Ozzie Newscome -- general manager of the Baltimove Ravens and a member of the NFL 's competition committee -- believes the proposals need thorough testing before any implementation . `` With any rule that we put into play , we have to look at it from A to Z and find out what are the unintended consequences as much as the consequences , '' he was quoted as saying on the NFL website . `` But as it was stated in our meeting , there are mics everywhere . So , if something is being said , it 's probably going to be captured somewhere . So , it would be an opportunity to get it verified if we had to . '' Last week , the head of the Fritz Pollard Alliance , an organization dedicated to promoting diversity and equality of job opportunity in the NFL , said he would be surprised should the move fail to go through . `` I will be totally shocked if the competition committee does not uphold us on what we 're trying to do , '' said John Wooten , the group 's Chairman , in an interview with CBSSports.com . `` We want this word to be policed from the parking lot to the equipment room to the locker room . Secretaries , PR people , whoever , we want it eliminated completely and want it policed everywhere . '' Last December , shortly after the Incognito story broke , Fritz Pollard called on NFL players to stop using the ' N-word ' . `` Simply put , from this day forward please choose to not use the `` N '' word . Period ! , '' their statement read . `` Do not take the position that you are not bothered by the word . If you tolerate the language being used casually now , at some point in the future , either as a current or former player , you may hear it directed at you . How do you think you will respond ? '' In an interview with ESPN , Pittsburgh Steelers safety Ryan Clark , explained that the use of racial slurs is not always as it seems . `` I think it 's going to be really tough to legislate this rule , to find a way to penalize everyone who uses this word , '' said Clark . `` And it 's not going to be white players using it toward black players . Most of the time you hear it , it 's black players using the word . ''
NFL Committee to decide on whether to replace penalties with on - pitch penalties . Players guilty of abusive conduct could be penalized 15 points . Decision to change rules could take place as early as next month . This change follows Miami Dolphins scandal of last year .