UEFA has fined the Romanian Football Federation 52,500 euros for racist fan behavior during the side’s Nations League clash with Lithuania in September.
The UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) on Thursday also ordered 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 punishment for the racist behavior of its supporters.
It’s not the first time Romania has faced punitive action. The Romanian FA was fined over 50,000 euros when the teams last met in 2018 for identical offenses, with UEFA ordering g their next match to be played completely behind closed doors.
The fines were split between 22,500 euros for ‘transmitting a message that is not fit for a sports event’, and 30,000 euros for ‘racist and/or discriminatory behavior’.
The Romanian FA had been charged with five offenses, including racist behavior, following their match against Kosovo. Throughout the match, Romania fans chanted ‘Serbia Serbia’ and held up a banner which said ‘Kosovo is Serbia’.
Romania is one of the few countries in Europe that doesn’t recognize Kosovo as an independent nation.
Romania beat last-placed Lithuania 2-1 in the UEFA Nations League on Oct. 15 to win League C Group 2. It defeated Cyprus and Kosovo in September.
UEFA has also sanctioned a number of other clubs for disciplinary misconduct:
- Athletic Club has been fined 30,000 euros 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 behavior.
- IF Elfsborg has been fined 50,000 euros 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 euros for improper team conduct and 10,500 euros 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.
-
VIDEO | Superb Dragus goal in the 65′ gives Romania 2-1 win over Lithuania in UEFA Nations League
