FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Euro 2024 Games have been overshadowed by an incident involving Albania player Mirlind Daku, who has been banned for two matches by UEFA after inciting nationalist chants. This disciplinary action follows Daku’s conduct after Albania’s 2-2 draw with Croatia on Wednesday in Hamburg, where he used a megaphone to lead fans in slogans targeting Serbia and North Macedonia.
UEFA stated that Daku’s actions brought the sport into disrepute, leading to his ban. The events in Hamburg and their aftermath represent the most significant intersection of Balkan politics and Euro 2024 games, particularly given the record number of teams from the region participating in this year’s tournament. This situation has also brought to light the strained relationship in soccer between Albania and Serbia, despite recent attempts by their respective federations to collaborate and mend ties by jointly bidding to host the Under-21 Euros in 2027.
UEFA Disciplinary Measures and Fines
On Sunday, UEFA’s disciplinary body found Daku guilty of several offenses, including “failing to comply with the general principles of conduct,” “violating the basic rules of decent conduct,” “using sports events for manifestations of a non-sporting nature,” and “bringing the sport of football into disrepute.” The repercussions extend beyond Daku’s ban, as the Albanian soccer federation has been fined a total of 47,250 euros ($50,500). These fines are a result of Albanian fans chanting an anti-Serb slogan, reportedly “Kill the Serbs,” during the same Euro 2024 game.
The Serbian soccer federation had demanded strict action from UEFA, even threatening to withdraw from the tournament if these incidents were not properly addressed. Serbia had warned UEFA that inaction would be unacceptable, highlighting the severity of the political tensions spilling onto the Euro 2024 games stage.
Daku’s Ban and Albania’s Euro 2024 Campaign
Albania faces Spain in a crucial Euro 2024 group stage match on Monday. Daku’s two-game ban means he will miss this critical game. Should Albania advance in Euro 2024 games, Daku would also be sidelined for a potential round of 16 match.
Following the incident, Daku issued a public apology on social media. UEFA had already initiated an investigation into his behavior prior to announcing the ban. Daku, who is 26 years old, only recently started playing for Albania, having switched his eligibility from Kosovo last year under FIFA regulations.
Albania’s captain, Berat Djimsiti, commented on the situation, stating, “For the time being, we are focused on tomorrow’s match. He knows he made a mistake, he apologized and everything ended there.” Djimsiti sought to downplay the political aspects, adding, “I am not here to speak about the politics. This is a thing that UEFA has to take care of. In this moment, the main reason why we are here is to play a big game tomorrow.”
Broader Implications for Euro 2024 and Balkan Politics
UEFA had also launched investigations into both Albania and Croatia for “potential racist and/or discriminatory conduct” by fans during their Euro 2024 game. While Albania faced fines for “transmitting provocative messages,” Croatia’s federation received a smaller fine of 27,500 euros ($29,400) for fans throwing fireworks. UEFA has confirmed that the racism aspect of the investigation is ongoing, indicating a continued concern over fan behavior at Euro 2024 games.
The Albanian soccer federation (FSHF) has urged fans to act responsibly, stating, “The FSHF invites fans and football lovers to support to the end the Albanian national team in this magical and historic path in Euro 2024 by showing citizenry and accountability through correct behavior and by respecting the rules and the opponents.”
Despite the off-field controversies, Albania has performed commendably in their Euro 2024 games, with a narrow 2-1 defeat to Italy and the draw against Croatia. The presence of multiple teams from the former Yugoslavia – Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia, and Albania – at Euro 2024 has highlighted the lingering tensions from the Balkan wars of the 1990s.
Nationalist displays, including provocative banners and chants, were anticipated to bring political issues into Euro 2024 games. Both Serbia and Albania had already been fined by UEFA after their opening matches for “transmitting a provocative message.” Serbia’s fine related to a banner about Kosovo, which previously led to FIFA action at the 2022 World Cup.
Kosovo’s complex political status further complicates the region’s football dynamics. A journalist from Kosovo had his Euro 2024 credential revoked by UEFA for making an Albanian eagle gesture in front of Serbian fans, underscoring the sensitivity of these encounters at Euro 2024 games.
UEFA faces ongoing challenges in managing these political undercurrents within its competitions. The joint Albania-Serbia bid to host the Under-21 Euros in 2027 represents an attempt to use football for unity, but it also faces significant hurdles given the deep-seated tensions. UEFA’s executive committee is set to vote on the 2027 host in December, a decision that could carry symbolic weight for the future of Balkan football relations and the spirit of Euro 2024 games.
