Euro 2024 Games Marred by Nationalist Chants and Political Tensions
Albania’s Mirlind Daku received a two-game ban following his participation in nationalist chants during a Euro 2024 match against Croatia. Daku used a megaphone to lead fans in slogans targeting Serbia and North Macedonia after the 2-2 draw in Hamburg. This incident highlights the political tensions simmering beneath the surface of the Euro 2024 Games, particularly among Balkan nations. UEFA’s disciplinary committee found Daku guilty of violating the principles of conduct, using a sporting event for non-sporting manifestations, and bringing football into disrepute.
The Albanian Football Federation was also fined 47,250 euros for the anti-Serb chants by its fans. The Serbian Football Federation had threatened to withdraw from the tournament if UEFA failed to address the issue. These incidents underscore the complex political landscape of the Balkans and its potential to disrupt the Euro 2024 games.
Albania faced a crucial group stage match against Spain, with Daku’s ban extending to the round of 16 if Albania qualified. Daku issued an apology on social media following the incident. Albanian captain Berat Djimsiti emphasized the team’s focus on the upcoming match and acknowledged Daku’s mistake. He deferred to UEFA regarding the political aspects of the situation, highlighting the players’ primary objective of competing in the Euro 2024 games.
UEFA also investigated both the Albanian and Croatian football federations for potential racist or discriminatory conduct from their fans. Croatia received a fine of 27,500 euros for fans igniting and throwing fireworks. The Albanian federation was fined for transmitting provocative messages, and UEFA confirmed that investigations into racist conduct were ongoing. The FSHF (Albanian Football Federation) urged fans to behave responsibly and avoid further incidents during the Euro 2024 games.
Albania’s performance at Euro 2024, including a close loss to Italy and the draw with Croatia, has been impressive. However, the presence of multiple teams from the former Yugoslavia – Croatia, Serbia, and Slovenia – alongside Albania and Kosovo, has brought historical conflicts and political sensitivities to the forefront of the Euro 2024 games.
Nationalist chants and provocative banners have injected an unwelcome level of hostility into the tournament. UEFA had already fined both Serbia and Albania after their opening games for fans displaying provocative messages, highlighting the ongoing challenge of maintaining a purely sporting atmosphere at Euro 2024. These incidents follow a pattern of politically charged clashes between teams and fans from the Balkan region.
A Kosovan journalist’s credential was revoked by UEFA after he made the Albanian eagle gesture on camera in front of Serbian fans. Bosnia-Herzegovina’s failure to qualify through the playoffs prevented a potentially even more complex political dynamic at the Euro 2024 games. UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin had expressed his desire for maximum participation from the Balkan region. However, the organization’s policy of preventing Kosovo from being drawn against Serbia or Bosnia for security reasons demonstrates the delicate balancing act required to manage political tensions within the context of the Euro 2024 games. The joint bid by Albania and Serbia to host the Under-21 Euros in 2027 further underscores the complex interplay between football and politics in the region.