FIFA opened proceedings in opposition to Serbia’s soccer affiliation after a flag that confirmed Kosovo as a part of their nation was allegedly hung within the dressing room once they confronted Brazil on the World Cup, the soccer governing physique stated on Saturday.
The picture of the flag with the message “we don’t give up” in Serbian went viral on social media when it was shared by Hajrulla Ceku, Kosovo’s Minister of Tradition, Youth, and Sport.
“Disgraceful pictures from Serbia locker room, displaying hateful, xenophobic and genocidal messages in direction of Kosova whereas exploiting FIFA World Cup platform,” Ceku stated on Twitter.
“We count on concrete actions from FIFA contemplating that the Kosovo Soccer Federation (FFK) is a full FIFA and UEFA member.”
Kosovo turned a member of UEFA and FIFA in 2016, eight years after the nation declared independence from Serbia, which opposed the transfer.
“The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has opened proceedings in opposition to the Soccer Affiliation of Serbia as a result of a flag displayed of their dressing room on the event of the Brazil v Serbia,” it stated in an announcement.
“The proceedings have been opened on the premise of article 11 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and article 4 of the Rules for the FIFA World Cup 2022.”
The FFK stated it strongly condemned the “aggressive motion” in opposition to the nation.
“The World Cup is an occasion of pleasure and unity and will ship messages of hope and peace, not messages of hatred. We name FIFA to take motion in opposition to such actions,” they stated.
Serbia, who misplaced 2-0 to Brazil, subsequent play Cameroon on Monday. Their soccer federation (FSS) didn’t reply when requested for remark.