UEFA Punishes Serbia for Fan Incidents at Switzerland Game in Nations League
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Loading... - Beatrice Serra
- 04 Nov 2024
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UEFA has fined the Serbian Football Federation €52,000 (approximately $56,500) for misconduct by fans during the Nations League match against Switzerland on October 12. The match, which was attended by Serbian state president Aleksandar Vucic in Leskovac, was marred by incidents that included fans jeering the Swiss national anthem and displaying an anti-Kosovo banner.
The rivalry between Serbia and Switzerland has been politically charged, particularly due to historical tensions surrounding Kosovo. Switzerland's captain, Granit Xhaka, has ethnic Albanian roots, which adds another layer of complexity to the encounters between the two nations. Serbia does not recognize Kosovo's independence, which was declared in 2008, and this ongoing dispute often spills over into sporting events, making matches between the two teams highly sensitive.
UEFA's disciplinary panel noted that Serbia was charged for discrimination by its fans during the match, which is in violation of UEFA's strict rules against political statements at sporting events. The governing body emphasized that the display of the anti-Kosovo banner and the jeering of the national anthem were messages "not fit for a sports event."
In addition to the fine, Serbia has been placed on a two-year probationary period. Should there be a repeat offense during this time, UEFA has indicated that it will take further action, which could include closing a section of the stadium for one game. This measure underscores UEFA's commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful environment at football matches, free from political tensions and discriminatory behavior.
UEFA's actions against Serbia are part of a broader trend of addressing fan misconduct across Europe. In a related case, Hungary was also punished for discriminatory chants by its fans, resulting in a ban on ticket sales for an upcoming Nations League game in the Netherlands. Hungary's federation was fined €20,000 (approximately $21,700) for discrimination and an additional €14,500 (around $15,700) for fans lighting fireworks during matches.
Similarly, Bosnia-Herzegovina faced sanctions for discriminatory behavior, including a fine of €25,000 (about $27,000) and a requirement to close a section of its stadium during an upcoming match against the Netherlands on November 19.
The recent fines and sanctions imposed by UEFA highlight the ongoing challenges that football faces in addressing issues of discrimination and political tensions within the sport. As the governing body continues to enforce its rules against such behavior, it aims to foster a more inclusive and respectful atmosphere for all fans and players. The incidents surrounding the Serbia-Switzerland match serve as a reminder of the intersection between sports and politics, and the need for continued vigilance in promoting sportsmanship and respect on and off the field.
