World Cup qualifiers see Argentina and Albania penalized with significant financial sanctions due to fan racism incidents.
FIFA has taken a firm stance against racism and discrimination during the World Cup qualifiers, handing out significant fines to several national teams. The six nations charged are Albania, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Serbia, and Bosnia-Herzegovina.
The largest fine of 161,500 Swiss francs ($204,000) was issued to the Albanian federation for charges at a game against Serbia, including disturbing a national anthem and transmitting an inappropriate message. Argentina was fined 120,000 Swiss francs for discrimination or racist abuse at a game against Colombia.
Colombia received a 70,000 Swiss francs ($87,000) fine for incidents during a home game against Peru on June 6. Chile's soccer federation was fined 115,000 Swiss francs ($143,000) for fan racism during a home game against Argentina on June 5. Serbia was fined 50,000 Swiss francs for racism and other incidents during a game against Andorra on June 10.
Bosnia-Herzegovina was fined 21,000 Swiss francs ($26,000) for racism and other offenses during a home game against San Marino. However, there is no information in the search results about the Bosnian national football team receiving any punishment or about any confirmed incident of racism or other offenses.
In most cases, FIFA also ordered its member federations to have a "prevention plan" for future games. For instance, Albania must also reduce stadium capacity by 20% at a future game. Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez was sent off for a dangerous tackle in the same game and must serve a two-game ban and pay a fine of 5,000 Swiss francs.
Meanwhile, the game between Argentina and Colombia ended 1-1. Argentina has already advanced to defend its title at the World Cup next year in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The teams Albania and Serbia drew 0-0 in their game and will play again on Oct. 11.
In a separate development, FIFA closed an investigation against the captain of Mexican team Pachuca, Gustavo Cabral, due to lack of evidence in a racism allegation made by Real Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger during the Club World Cup in June. Cabral denied the racism allegation, stating he used an insult common in his native Argentina.
The crackdown on racism and discrimination by FIFA is a clear indication of their renewed commitment to maintaining a fair and inclusive environment in international football.
