UEFA fines Serbian Football Association for racist behavior of fans at matches

UEFA fines Serbian Football Association for racist behavior of fans at matches

The sanctions include fines amounting to several thousand euros and the partial closure of the stadium due to an upcoming home game.

ADVERTISING

The Serbian Football Association has been formally punished for racist actions by fans at two Nations League games, including an incident in Switzerland in which fans attempted to burn an Albanian flag, UEFA announced on Friday.

At a match between Switzerland and Serbia last month, away fans were filmed trying to set fire to an Albanian flag. The Swiss team, including captain Granit

UEFA said its disciplinary committee had investigated the Serbian federation for “racist and/or discriminatory behavior” related to the incident in Switzerland and another at a home game against Denmark three days later, as well as other incidents such as the display of an “illegal banner.” Fans accused.

Unacceptable behavior also includes the use of fireworks, throwing objects, “damage to the stadium and/or its facilities” and late kick-offs.

The Serbian FA has now been banned from selling tickets for the team’s next two away games in UEFA competitions and will have to close parts of its stadium for two home games.

The first parts of the sanctions will come into force in March when Serbia faces Austria in the playoffs for promotion to the Nations League.

UEFA also imposed fines totaling 173,000 euros, of which 90,000 euros relate specifically to “racist and discriminatory behavior” by its fans.

UEFA and FIFA have already accused the Serbian Football Association of repeated fan misconduct, including at the 2024 Euro in Germany and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

The European Football Association’s Executive Committee is expected to soon confirm Serbia and Albania as co-hosts of the 2027 European Under-21 Championship.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *