UEFA, the governing body of European football, has initiated disciplinary proceedings against the Football Association of Serbia (FSS) following allegations of inappropriate behavior by Serbian fans during the Euro 2024 match against England.
According to a statement released by UEFA, the charges against the FSS include “throwing of objects” and “transmitting a provocative message unfit for a sports event.” The incident occurred on Sunday, during the match between Serbia and England, which England won 1-0.
In addition, both Kosovo and Serbia have filed complaints against each other with UEFA over the same match. Serbia alleged that a Kosovo journalist made an Albanian nationalist sign, while the Kosovo Football Federation (FFK) complained about “racist messages” displayed by Serbia fans.
The FFK stated that Serbia fans displayed “flags, slogans, and chants… with political, chauvinistic, and racist messages against Kosovo” and called for strict disciplinary measures against the Serbian FA, labeling it a “repeat offender.”
The tensions between Kosovo and Serbia are longstanding, with Kosovo declaring independence from Serbia in 2008, a move that Serbia does not recognize. Despite this, Kosovo became a full-fledged member of UEFA and FIFA in 2016.
The UEFA Control, Ethics, and Disciplinary Body will review the matter and decide on the appropriate course of action in due course.
