June 24 – Russia’s Rubin Kazan FC said that Albanian national Mirlind Daku will be punished when he returns to the club after the Euros. Daku face a “disciplinary and financial” sanction.
Daku became embroiled in a scandal after the 2-2 draw against Croatia in a Group B match when, after the final whistle, the 26-year-old Albanian grabbed a megaphone and called on the team’s fans to chant anti-Serbia and Macedonia insults.
UEFA immediately launched an investigation into the case, and the football federations of Serbia and North Macedonia called for harsh punishments.
On Sunday UEFA’s disciplinary body suspended Daku for two games for “failing to comply with the general principles of conduct, for violating the basic rules of decent conduct, for using sports events for manifestations of a non-sporting nature and for bringing the sport of football into disrepute.”
Rubin Kazan issued an official saying: “Striker Mirlind Daku allowed himself to be part of offensive chanting after the Euro 2024 game of Albania against Croatia.
“Our club takes responsibility for what happened. FC Rubin represents a multinational team and always adheres to the principles of respect and equality, categorically condemning any form of discrimination and insults on national, religious or racial grounds.
“Upon returning to the club’s premises, disciplinary and financial sanctions will be applied to the footballer. An explanatory conversation will also be held with the club’s players in order to avoid similar incidents in the future.”
Daku has played for Rubin Kazan since 11 July 2023 when he signed a three-year contract.
Contact the writer of this story, Aleksander Krassimirov, at moc.l1719824145labto1719824145ofdlr1719824145owedi1719824145sni@o1719824145fni1719824145