November 4 – The intense political enmity between Serbia and Kosovo has spilled on to the football field yet again with UEFA’s disciplinary committee fining the Serbian FA €52,500 and partially closing Serbia’s home ground for their next home match in UEFA competitions.
This time, the punishment was meted out not as a result of a game between the two nations but because Swiss captain Granit Xhaka has ethnic Albanian family ties to Kosovo.
Serbian fans jeered Switzerland’s national anthem and displayed an anti-Kosovo banner at a Nations League game on October 12 attended by state president Aleksandar Vucic in Leskovac. Straight afterwards, the Kosovan FA said they would send an official complaint to UEFA which has now charged Serbia for “transmitting (a) message that is not fit for a sports event.”
Games between Serbia and Switzerland have long been politically charged, including at the past two World Cups, because of Xhaka’s roots.
Unlike most members of the United Nations, Serbia does not recognize Kosovo, its former province that declared independence in 2008.
UEFA’s penalty was welcomed by the Kosovo FA (FFK) which declared that “this strict measure is an important step towards the protection of sports principles and respect in the international arena.”
“On behalf of Kosovar sports fans, FFK emphasizes that a sports environment must be free from provocative messages, hatred and discrimination. We will continue to pursue all legal means to address any unsportsmanlike and harmful actions that harm Kosovo and the values of sport.
“FFK remains committed to protecting players, fans and the football community from acts of hatred and provocations that seek to undermine the spirit of fair play. The federation will continue to monitor and react against all violations of norms and values in football, both on and off the field.
“UEFA’s decision against Serbia is a clear message that such reprehensible acts have no place in sport, and FFK remains steadfast in its commitment to contribute to clean, fair and respectful football for all.”
Contact the writers of this story at moc.l1732750646labto1732750646ofdlr1732750646owedi1732750646sni@w1732750646ahsra1732750646w.wer1732750646dna1732750646, or Aleksander Krassimirov, at moc.l1732750646labto1732750646ofdlr1732750646owedi1732750646sni@o1732750646fni1732750646