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Why is the Serbian map controversial?
The issue of Kosovo’s independence from Serbia sparked a 1998-99 war in which at least 13,000 people died. Serbia launched a crackdown on a separatist rebellion by the area’s ethnic Albanian population, which led to NATO bombing Serbia in 1999 to bring a conclusion to the war.
On Monday, the Kosovan FA (FFK) called for “strict disciplinary measures” to be taken against Serbia by UEFA and submitted an official complaint regarding the flags, which it described as “political, chauvinistic and racist”.
The FFK called for “strict disciplinary measures” to be taken against the Serbians, who it says are “a repeat offender of such cases”. It added that the flags “promote hate speech” and “threaten the fragile security of the region”. The Athletic has contacted the FSS for comment.
There has not yet been any official action taken against Serbia by UEFA but it is likely that a case will be opened.
Has this happened before?
The same Serbia flag with the Kosovo reference was displayed in the national team’s dressing room ahead of their World Cup match against Brazil in 2022.
FIFA, who organised the tournament, opened disciplinary proceedings over the flag and cited a section of its disciplinary code that covers misconduct including “offensive gestures, signs or language” and “using a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature”.
What sanctions could UEFA impose?
Last November, Scottish Premiership side Celtic were fined £15,200 (€17,000, $19,000) by UEFA after supporters displayed Palestinian flags during a Champions League match against Atletico Madrid.
European football’s governing body deemed the display at the October 25 fixture at Celtic Park a “provocative message of an offensive nature” and imposed the sanction.
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Source link : https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5570092/2024/06/17/euro-2024-flags-russia-ukraine-serbia-kosovo/
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Publish date : 2024-06-17 07:00:00
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