Europe’s football governing body, UEFA, has been actively addressing nationalist incidents involving Balkan teams during the Euro 2024 tournament in Germany, handing down a series of disciplinary measures. These actions highlight the ongoing challenges of managing nationalistic tensions within the high-profile football event.
The latest disciplinary action saw Albania’s forward Mirlind Daku suspended for two matches. This ban was imposed after Daku was filmed leading fans in chants containing anti-Macedonian slogans following the Albania-Croatia match on Wednesday. In addition to the player’s suspension, the Albanian Football Association faced a fine of €47,250 as a consequence of the incident.
Croatian fans during the game against Albania on Wednesday 19 June 2024
Mirlind Daku issued a public apology on social media for his behavior. However, UEFA had already launched an investigation into his “alleged inappropriate behaviour,” resulting in the suspension. The timing of the suspension is particularly challenging for Albania as Daku will miss a crucial group stage match against Spain. Should Albania advance to the knockout stage, Daku would also be sidelined for the first game.
Meanwhile, Croatia is also under UEFA scrutiny. The Croatian Football Federation is currently being investigated for “potential racist and/or discriminatory conduct” by fans during the same Croatia-Albania game. Reports indicate that Croatian fans joined Albanian supporters in chanting “Kill the Serbs” in Croatian. Given the linguistic similarities between Serbian, Croatian, Bosnian, and Montenegrin, the offensive nature of the chants was clear.
Serbia had previously voiced strong concerns and even threatened to withdraw from Euro 2024 if UEFA did not respond decisively to these nationalist displays. Football federations bear responsibility for the conduct of their fans within stadiums and surrounding match events, putting pressure on UEFA to maintain order and respect.
Albania Faces Multiple Fines at Euro 2024
Despite having played only two games in the tournament, Albania has already accumulated a significant number of disciplinary charges for fan misconduct. Four of these charges stemmed from their match against Italy on June 15th.
UEFA fined the Albanian federation €27,375 for incidents involving fans setting off flares and fireworks, throwing beer cups onto the pitch, and a pitch invasion by a fan. Furthermore, a €10,000 fine was levied after Albanian fans displayed a map of Albania that included territories of neighboring countries, considered a provocative nationalist gesture.
Albania fans cheer prior to the Group B match between Italy and Albania at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Dortmund, Germany, Saturday, June 15, 2024
Serbia Disciplined for Nationalist Banner Display
Serbia also faced UEFA disciplinary action due to a nationalist banner displayed during their game against England on June 16th. The banner depicted the territory of Kosovo accompanied by the slogan “No Surrender.” UEFA deemed this message as “a provocative message not fit for a sports event.”
The Kosovo issue remains a sensitive and unresolved matter in the Balkans. Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia in 2008 following conflict in the late 1990s, but its nationhood is still not universally recognized, including by some EU member states.
In addition to the banner incident, the Serbian Football Association was fined €4,500 because Serbian fans were found to have thrown objects from the stands during the England match.
Serbia fans cheer during a Group C match between Serbia and England at the Euro 2024 tournament in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, Sunday, June 16, 2024
Kosovo Journalist Loses Accreditation Over Eagle Gesture
Adding another layer to the regional tensions, UEFA revoked the Euro 2024 media accreditation of Kosovar journalist Arlind Sadiku. This action was taken after Sadiku allegedly provoked Serbian fans during the Serbia-England game on June 16th. Sadiku was reported to have turned towards Serbian fans and made the double-headed eagle gesture, a nationalist symbol.
The double-headed eagle is prominently featured on the Albanian flag and has become a potent symbol of ethnic pride for Albanians, including those in Kosovo and surrounding regions. Its use in football contexts has previously ignited controversies and drawn scrutiny from football governing bodies.
UEFA’s firm responses to these incidents underscore their commitment to preventing political and nationalistic expressions from overshadowing the Euro 2024 tournament. As the competition progresses, continued vigilance will be necessary to manage these sensitivities and ensure a focus on football.
