Romania and Kosovo face disciplinary motion after Uefa opened proceedings in opposition to each side following the abandonment of their Nations League match in Bucharest on Friday.
The sport was stopped after Kosovo gamers left the pitch with simply seconds remaining, claiming the house followers had been shouting “Serbia”. The competition had been goalless.
After initially being suspended, the match was deserted an hour later after the Kosovo gamers didn’t return.
The Kosovan Soccer Federation (FFK) accused Romania followers of “irresponsible and discriminatory behaviour” and cited a “lack of security and dignity” as the rationale behind the gamers leaving the pitch.
The Romanian Soccer Federation (FRF) claimed there have been “no racist chants throughout the match” and known as Kosovo’s choice to stroll off “regrettable” and “premediated”.
The president of the Soccer Federation of Kosovo, Agim Ademi, has promised that he’ll struggle for justice all the best way to the Courtroom of Arbitration for Sport.
He acknowledged that soccer ought to promote truthful play and unity, not function a platform for provocations and discrimination. pic.twitter.com/X2WioPLI99
— Kosovo Soccer 🇽🇰 (@FootballKosovo) November 16, 2024
In a press release, Uefa mentioned “disciplinary proceedings have been instigated” in opposition to each federations.
The governing physique added: “Additional details about these proceedings can be made obtainable sooner or later.”
Romania supervisor Mircea Lucescu shouting “Disgraceful” in direction of Kosovo’s employees and gamers after the circus scenes in Bucharest final night time. pic.twitter.com/KJh3tld8R2
— Emanuel Roşu (@Emishor) November 16, 2024
Final 12 months, the FRF was fined by Uefa for pro-Serbia chanting and the show of a banner studying “Kosovo is Serbia” by supporters throughout a Euro 2024 qualifier between Romania and Kosovo.
Kosovo had been additionally fined following interruptions in September’s Nations League match between the 2 sides, when flares had been thrown and followers entered the pitch and whistled throughout the Romanian nationwide anthem.
Kosovo are presently three factors behind Romania within the group after 4 matches.
In February 2008, Kosovo declared independence from Serbia after years of strained relations between the nation’s Serb and Albanian inhabitants.
Kosovo’s independence is recognised by 100 international locations however not by Romania and Serbia.
Serbia and Kosovo are all the time saved aside in Uefa and Fifa competitions.
