UEFA SANCTIONS SERBIA AND ALBANIA AFTER EURO 2016 QUALIFIER CHAOS
UEFA has handed sanctions to both Serbia and Albania following the chaotic and politically charged Euro 2016 qualifying match between the two nations, which was abandoned due to serious incidents.
Despite Serbia being officially declared the winner of the match (3-0), UEFA ruled that the Serbian team will not receive any points, as a penalty for the crowd trouble and overall failure to ensure match safety. In fact, Serbia has been docked 3 points in the standings—effectively turning the win into a costly setback.
Albania has not been spared either. Both national federations have been fined €100,000 each. In addition, Serbia must play its next two home qualifiers behind closed doors.
The highly anticipated match on October 14 was abandoned in the first half after a drone carrying a Greater Albania nationalist flag flew over the stadium in Belgrade. The stunt sparked on-pitch brawls and clashes in the stands, reflecting the deep political tensions between the two countries, which have historical disputes dating back to the Kosovo conflict.
UEFA’s disciplinary body stressed the seriousness of the events and emphasized that football must remain separate from political provocation, reiterating its commitment to punishing any actions that threaten the safety and integrity of the game.
