October 17 – UEFA have fined the Romanian Football Federation €52,500 for racist fan behaviour during the side’s Nations League clash with Lithuania in September.
On top of this, the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) decided to order the partial stadium closure (3,000 adjacent seats) during the next UEFA competition match in which the Romanian Football Federation will play as host association, as a punishment for the racist behaviour of its supporters.
The fixture has an unpleasant history, as the Romanian FA was charged over €50,000 when the teams last met in 2018 for identical offences, with UEFA enforcing their next match to be played completely behind closed doors.
The fines were split between €22,500 for ‘transmitting a message that is not fit for a sports event’, and €30,000 for ‘racist and/or discriminatory behaviour’.
The Romanian FA had been charged with five offences, including racist behaviour, following their match against Kosovo. Throughout the match, Romania fans chanted ‘Serbia Serbia’ and held up a banner which said ‘Kosovo is Serbia’.
UEFA has also sanctioned a number of other clubs for disciplinary misconduct:
- LOSC Lille has been fined €14,000 for blocking public passageways and €20,000 for the lighting of fireworks during their Champions League clash with Real Madrid, along with a suspended partial stadium closure (lower South Stand) for two years.
- Athletic Club has been fined €30,000 for lighting fireworks and throwing objects versus AS Roma in the Europa League. Additionally, they are banned from selling tickets to away supporters for one UEFA match. This ban is suspended for two years, pending good behaviour.
- IF Elfsborg has been fined €50,000 for the use of fireworks during their 1-0 victory over AS Roma, and given a suspended partial stadium closure (home supporter stands behind the goal) for two years.
- Hungarian side Ferencvárosi TC has been fined €9,000 for improper team conduct and €10,500 for damage caused by supporters In its UEL clash with RSC Anderlecht last month. Additionally, they are required to contact Anderlecht within 30 days to settle the costs for damages, including 4 broken seats and 1 toilet.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1732281392labto1732281392ofdlr1732281392owedi1732281392sni@g1732281392niwe.1732281392yrrah1732281392