UEFA has imposed fines totaling €230,000 ($250,000) on seven national football federations for racist and discriminatory behavior by fans at the Euro 2024 tournament. The incidents, which occurred mostly during the month-long, 24-nation competition held in Germany, involved fans from teams in the Balkans.
Croatia faces the heaviest penalty of €50,000 ($54,000) for incidents at each of its three matches. During a group-stage encounter in Hamburg, fans from Croatia and Albania engaged in anti-Serbia chants. Following the incident, UEFA announced an investigation, and the Serbia federation threatened to withdraw from the tournament if no action was taken.
The Albania football federation was fined a total of €30,000 ($32,500) on Wednesday for racist conduct at two games, against Croatia and Spain. Both Albanian and Croatian federations were previously fined during the tournament for fans setting off fireworks and throwing objects onto the field, leading to a 2-2 draw between the teams. Furthermore, Albanian player Mirlind Daku received a two-game ban after inciting nationalist chants, including those directed towards Serbia.
Romania, Serbia, and Slovenia were also cited for incidents at three different games. Romania was fined €40,000 ($43,400), while the other two federations were each fined €30,000 ($32,500). Hungary received a €30,000 ($32,500) fine for racist fan conduct at two games, and Austria was charged for one game and fined €20,000 ($21,700).
In addition to the fines, UEFA has imposed further sanctions on Croatia, Romania, and Serbia, prohibiting them from selling tickets to fans for one away game. These sanctions are to be served during Nations League matches in September.
