...
9.2 C
London
Thursday, December 5, 2024

Romania Awarded 3-0 Win Over Kosovo After Walk-Off Incident

Romania has been awarded a 3-0 victory over Kosovo in a Nations League match that was abandoned after the Kosovo team walked off the pitch in response to pro-Serbia chants from Romanian fans. The incident has sparked significant controversy and led to fines for both teams.

Key Takeaways

  • UEFA awarded Romania a 3-0 victory after Kosovo walked off the pitch.
  • The match was abandoned in stoppage time with the score at 0-0.
  • Romania was fined €128,000 for various offenses, including racist chants.
  • Kosovo was fined €6,000 for the improper conduct of its team.
  • Romania will play its next home match behind closed doors due to fan behavior.

Incident Overview

The Nations League match took place in Bucharest on November 15, 2024, and was marked by escalating tensions between the two teams. As the game approached its conclusion, Kosovo players left the field after hearing chants from the home crowd that they deemed offensive and provocative. The match was suspended for approximately 50 minutes before being officially abandoned when Kosovo refused to return.

UEFA’s Ruling

Following the incident, UEFA ruled that Kosovo forfeited the match, awarding Romania a default victory. The decision was based on the assessment that Kosovo was responsible for the match not being completed. This ruling has implications for both teams in the ongoing Nations League campaign, as Romania’s points total increased, potentially affecting their standings in future competitions.

Fines and Sanctions

In addition to the match result, UEFA imposed several fines on both football federations:

  1. Romania Football Federation (FRF)
  2. Football Federation of Kosovo (FFK)

Reactions and Future Implications

The incident has drawn widespread attention, particularly given the historical and political tensions between Kosovo and Serbia, which Romania also does not recognize. Kosovo’s team manager expressed disappointment with UEFA’s decision, stating that the players felt emotionally hurt by the chants and that their walk-off was a necessary protest against racism in football.

Romania’s Football Federation denied the allegations of racist chanting, asserting that no such slogans were used during the match. This incident is not isolated, as previous matches between the two nations have also been marred by similar controversies.

Conclusion

The awarding of the match to Romania and the subsequent fines highlight the ongoing challenges that football faces in addressing issues of racism and political tensions within the sport. As both teams prepare for their next matches, the implications of this incident will likely resonate in their future encounters and the broader context of international football relations.

Sources

Memaga Caglič
Memaga Caglič
Memaga Caglič is an Albanian journalist with a passion for reporting on Balkan news. Known for her insightful coverage of regional political, social, and cultural issues, Memaga brings a unique perspective to her reporting, offering in-depth analysis and a deep understanding of the region.
Latest news
Related news
Seraphinite AcceleratorOptimized by Seraphinite Accelerator
Turns on site high speed to be attractive for people and search engines.