The Croatian Football Federation has been slapped with a hefty 105,000 euro ($112,500) fine by UEFA for fan misconduct during their Euro 2024 elimination game against Italy. This financial penalty, announced on Friday, stands as the largest handed out by UEFA at the tournament, marking the second time Croatia has faced such punishment. The hefty fine stems from a series of incidents that marred the Croatia-Italy match held in Leipzig on Monday.
UEFA cited three specific offenses: 45,000 euros for fans throwing objects, including beer cups, onto the field; 30,000 euros for the igniting of flares and fireworks; and another 30,000 euros for unspecified “inappropriate behavior.”
However, this is not the only disciplinary action facing Croatia. A separate UEFA investigation is currently underway to address allegations of racism involving both Croatian and Italian fans during the match.
Croatia had already been fined 27,500 euros for similar fan behavior during their previous Euro 2024 game against Albania. Despite these penalties, Croatia still earned a significant 9.2 million euros in prize money from UEFA for their participation in the tournament.
Unfortunately for Croatia, their campaign ended with a heartbreaking 1-1 draw against Italy, leaving them eliminated. Italy’s winning goal came in the 8th minute of stoppage time, sealing the Croatian team’s fate.
