UEFA on Wednesday imposed fines amounting to 230,000 euros, $250,000, on seven national football federations due to racist and discriminatory behavior exhibited by fans at 2024 European Championship matches.
While UEFA did not disclose specific details, most incidents involved fans from Balkan teams during the 24-nation tournament held in Germany.
Croatia received the highest penalty, 50,000 euros, $54,000, for offenses occurring in each of its three matches.
During a group-stage game in Hamburg, fans from Croatia and Albania chanted anti-Serbia slogans.
UEFA announced an investigation into the matter at that time, and the Serbian federation had threatened to withdraw from the tournament if no action was taken.
The Albanian soccer federation was fined a total of 30,000 euros, $32,500, for racist behavior in matches against Croatia and Spain.
Both Albania and Croatia had previously been penalized for their supporters’ use of fireworks and throwing objects during their 2-2 draw.
Additionally, Albanian player Mirlind Daku was banned for two games for leading fans in nationalist chants targeting Serbia.
Romania, Serbia, and Slovenia were also fined for incidents at three separate matches.
Romania’s fine amounted to 40,000 euros, $43,400, while Serbia and Slovenia each faced a 30,000 euro, $32,500, penalty.
Hungary was fined 30,000 euros, $32,500, for racist behavior by fans at two matches, and Austria faced a 20,000 euro, $21,700, fine for an incident at one game.
In addition to the fines, UEFA banned Croatia, Romania, and Serbia from selling tickets to their fans for one away game, a sanction to be enforced during the Nations League matches in September.
