The Euro 2024 Game between Albania and Croatia has been marred by off-field controversies, resulting in a two-game ban for Albanian player Mirlind Daku. UEFA, the governing body of European football, announced the ban after Daku was filmed leading fans in nationalist chants following Albania’s 2-2 draw with Croatia in Hamburg. This incident has thrown a shadow over Albania’s Euro 2024 campaign and sparked discussions about Balkan politics influencing the tournament.
Daku’s actions, which involved using a megaphone to chant slogans against Serbia and North Macedonia, were deemed to have brought the sport into disrepute. UEFA’s disciplinary judges found him guilty of violating basic rules of decent conduct and using a sports event for non-sporting manifestations. In addition to Daku’s ban, the Albanian soccer federation was fined 47,250 euros for fan chants, reportedly including an anti-Serb slogan. These penalties underscore UEFA’s commitment to maintaining order and preventing political statements within Euro 2024 games.
The backdrop to this incident is the complex political landscape of the Balkans. With a record number of teams from the region participating in Euro 2024, the tournament has inadvertently become a stage for long-standing tensions. The historical and political rifts between Albania and Serbia, particularly concerning Kosovo, are well-documented. Despite attempts by their soccer federations to foster cooperation, fan sentiments remain deeply divided. The Serbian soccer federation had even threatened to withdraw from the tournament if UEFA did not address the chants, highlighting the severity of the situation.
For Albania, the ban on Daku is a significant blow, especially as they face a crucial Euro 2024 game against Spain. Daku will miss this decisive group-stage match and, should Albania advance, a potential round of 16 game. Despite the controversy, Albania’s captain, Berat Djimsiti, stated that the team is focused on the upcoming game against Spain. Daku himself has apologized for his actions on social media, acknowledging his mistake. However, the incident serves as a reminder of the challenges in separating sports from politics, particularly in emotionally charged international tournaments like Euro 2024.
UEFA had already initiated investigations into both the Albanian and Croatian federations for potential racist or discriminatory conduct by fans during the same game. While Croatia received a fine for fans throwing fireworks, Albania faced a heavier penalty, reflecting the more serious nature of the nationalist chants. The Albanian soccer federation has urged fans to behave responsibly and avoid further incidents, emphasizing the importance of supporting the team in a respectful manner throughout their Euro 2024 journey.
Despite the off-field distractions, Albania has shown promise in their Euro 2024 games, putting up strong performances against Italy and Croatia. However, the Daku ban adds another layer of difficulty as they aim to progress further in the tournament. The events surrounding this Euro 2024 game underscore the ongoing challenges of managing political sensitivities within major sporting events and the delicate balance between national pride and respectful conduct. As Euro 2024 continues, the focus will remain on whether these tensions can be contained and if the spirit of sportsmanship can prevail on and off the field.
