FIFA has severely punished Serbia due to the behavior of fans against England, which will directly affect what follows against Albania in the key World Cup qualifier match.
The Football Association of Serbia issued a statement.
“The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has made a decision by which the Football Association of Serbia is fined in the amount of 80,000 Swiss francs due to incidents related to order and safety, as well as due to the inappropriate and discriminatory behavior of certain fans during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying match, Serbia – England, played on September 9, 2025, at the ‘Rajko Mitić’ stadium.”
The decision of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee cited the following violations:
-inability to ensure order and discipline inside and around the stadium,
-use of lasers and inappropriate gestures, words, and objects,
-disruption during the performance of national anthems,
-discriminatory behavior of certain fans.
In addition to the fine, the Football Association of Serbia has been ordered to play the next FIFA competitive match of the A selection (against Albania in Leskovac) with a limited number of spectators. On that occasion, at least 20% of the stands’ capacity will be closed, primarily behind the goals.
In accordance with the decision, the Football Association of Serbia is obliged to submit a seating arrangement plan to the World Football Federation no later than ten days before the match, with the possibility, subject to prior FIFA approval, to fill part of the capacity with communities and groups of special interest (families, students, organizations focused on the fight against discrimination). The plan must also include clear anti-discrimination activities (such as wearing t-shirts or displaying banners with such messages).
The Football Association of Serbia will act in accordance with the decision made and take all measures to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents in the future,” the FSS statement concluded.
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Source: Nova.rs; Photo: Tanjug/AP