FIFA Sanctions Argentina, Five Other Nations for Racist Fan Behavior During World Cup Qualifiers

FIFA has imposed heavy sanctions on six national football federations, including defending world champion Argentina, following incidents of racist abuse during World Cup qualifiers in June. The governing body’s disciplinary committee listed Albania, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina among those punished for “discrimination and racist abuse.” While details of the incidents were not disclosed, the fines highlight FIFA’s focus on tackling racism in football. Albania received the heaviest sanction, a fine of over ₹1.75 crore ($200,000). The federation was charged for multiple offenses during its June 7 home match against Serbia, including disturbing a national anthem and transmitting “a message that is not appropriate for a sports event.” FIFA also ordered a 20% reduction in stadium capacity for a future home fixture. Albania drew 0-0 with Serbia in Tirana, with the reverse fixture scheduled in Belgrade on October 11. Argentina was fined ₹1.3 crore ($149,000) for fan-related discrimination during its 1-1 draw against Colombia on June 10 in Buenos Aires. Midfielder Enzo Fernández, sent off in that match for a dangerous tackle, was additionally handed a two-game suspension and fined ₹5.4 lakh ($6,200). Argentina has already qualified for next year’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Chile’s federation was fined 115,000 Swiss francs ($143,000) after racist abuse marred its 1-0 loss to Argentina on June 5. Colombia was sanctioned 70,000 Swiss francs ($87,000) for fan behavior in its June 6 home game against Peru. Serbia must pay 50,000 Swiss francs ($62,000) for incidents during its June 10 clash with Andorra, while Bosnia-Herzegovina was fined 21,000 Swiss francs ($26,000) following its qualifier against San Marino. In addition to financial penalties, FIFA instructed all six federations to implement “prevention plans” for future matches. Additionally, FIFA closed an investigation into alleged racist abuse during the Club World Cup. Real Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger had accused Pachuca captain Gustavo Cabral of racism, but the case was dismissed due to lack of evidence. Cabral, who denied the charge, said he had used an insult common in Argentina.