UEFA has issued multiple sanctions in response to misconduct during the first week of Euro 2024. The Serbian Football Association (FSS) has now urged UEFA to penalize the Croatian and Albanian football associations over hateful chants directed at Serbians during a match.
Serbian Complaint and Potential Withdrawal
Following a heated 2-2 draw between Croatia and Albania, Jovan Surbatovic, the FSS General Secretary, announced that the association had formally complained to UEFA. They alleged that Croatian and Albanian fans chanted, “Kill, kill, kill the Serb” during the match. Surbatovic warned that the FSS might consider withdrawing from the tournament if UEFA does not take what they deem as appropriate action. “What happened is scandalous and we will ask UEFA for sanctions, even if it means not continuing the competition,” he stated.
This announcement came just hours before Serbia’s second match against Slovenia in Munich.
Earlier in the week, UEFA had already fined the FSS €10,000 for displaying a “provocative” banner and throwing objects during their match against England. This followed a complaint from the Kosovo Football Federation about “political, chauvinistic, and racist messages” displayed by Serbian fans. The banner in question depicted a map of Serbia including Kosovo, accompanied by the words “nema predaje” (no surrender). Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, but Serbia does not recognize it as a separate state.
In addition, the FSS was fined €4,500 for objects thrown onto the pitch by fans. There were also allegations of racist chants directed at Black players during the Serbia-England match, which UEFA is currently investigating.
Fines for Albania and Racist Allegations
The Albanian Football Federation was fined €27,375 for the use of fireworks, throwing objects, and a pitch invasion during their 2-1 loss to Italy.
In another incident, UEFA canceled the accreditation of Kosovar journalist Arlind Sadiku, who was accused by the FSS of provoking Serbian fans with a double-headed eagle gesture, symbolizing Albania’s national flag. This gesture is known to exacerbate nationalist tensions between Serbians and ethnic Albanians. UEFA confirmed that Sadiku’s media credentials were revoked due to his misconduct during the Serbia-England match.
The first week of Euro 2024 has been marred by incidents of fan misconduct and allegations of hateful and racist behavior. UEFA’s responses have included financial penalties and revocation of accreditations, but the demands for further sanctions from the FSS indicate that tensions remain high. The governing body faces the challenge of ensuring fair play and maintaining order while addressing the complex political and ethnic conflicts that can arise during international tournaments.
As Euro 2024 progresses, UEFA’s ability to manage these issues will be crucial in maintaining the integrity and spirit of the competition.
