Doha: FIFA opened proceedings in opposition to Serbia’s soccer affiliation after a flag which confirmed Kosovo as a part of their nation was allegedly hung within the dressing room after they confronted Brazil on the World Cup, the soccer governing physique mentioned 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 mentioned on Twitter.
“We anticipate concrete actions from FIFA contemplating that the Kosovo Soccer Federation (FFK) is a full FIFA and UEFA member.”
Kosovo grew to become 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 resulting from a flag displayed of their dressing room on the event of the Brazil v Serbia,” it mentioned in a press release.
“The proceedings have been opened on the idea of article 11 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and article 4 of the Rules for the FIFA World Cup 2022.”
The FFK mentioned it strongly condemned the “aggressive motion” in opposition to the nation.
“The World Cup is an occasion of pleasure and unity and may ship messages of hope and peace, not messages of hatred. We name FIFA to take motion in opposition to such actions,” they mentioned.