FIFA warns, fines World Cup playoffs teams Croatia and Greece for fans’ racism at qualifiers

ZURICH – FIFA has warned and fined World Cup playoffs teams Croatia and Greece for fans’ racist behaviour at qualifying matches last month.

FIFA announced the sanctions Saturday but did not order stadium closures for the playoff matches starting next week.

FIFA fined the Croatia Football Federation 35,000 Swiss francs ($38,000) for incidents during its 2-1 loss against Belgium in Zagreb.

Fans monitoring group Fare reported to FIFA that “Croatian supporters made far-right salutes which were used during World War II by the fascist Ustase movement.”

FIFA fined the Greek federation 30,000 Swiss francs ($32,500) following reports of far-right banners displayed when Greece beat Slovakia 1-0 in Athens.

In the playoffs, Croatia hosts Iceland in the second leg on Nov. 19, and Greece hosts Romania in the first leg on Friday.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles