Argentina, Albania, and Four Others Penalized by FIFA for Racist Behavior During Matches

Racism has emerged as one of the most pressing and widely discussed issues in football in recent years. Accusations of racist behavior have surfaced across multiple leagues and international matches, affecting players, fans, and governing bodies alike. Recently, the world football governing body, FIFA, took decisive action by penalizing six countries for racist behavior, discriminatory comments, and inappropriate conduct during World Cup qualifying matches. The nations fined include football powerhouse Argentina, as well as Albania, Chile, Colombia, Serbia, and Bosnia-Herzegovina. These sanctions highlight FIFA’s ongoing efforts to tackle racism and promote fair play in football worldwide.

All six nations were punished for incidents that occurred during their World Cup qualifiers in June. The disciplinary committee of FIFA released the list of fines, although the organization did not provide detailed explanations for each punishment. Among the six, Albania received the highest fine of $200,000 (24.3 million taka) following its June 7 match against Serbia. FIFA cited the disturbance caused during the playing of the opponent’s national anthem as sending “a message inappropriate for a sporting event,” demonstrating the governing body’s zero-tolerance approach to discrimination and disrespectful conduct on the field.

The tension between Albania and Serbia is not new and stems from longstanding political conflicts, which have occasionally spilled over into football. A notable example occurred during a European Championship qualifier in 2014, when a drone carrying a flag reading “Greater Albania” disrupted play, forcing the match to be suspended for 41 minutes. Serbian fans attacked some Albanian players during that incident, reflecting the deep-rooted tensions between the two nations. The recent June match between Albania and Serbia ended in a goalless draw, with the return fixture scheduled in Belgrade on October 11, adding further significance to these disciplinary measures.

Argentina, the reigning world champion, was also penalized for discriminatory behavior by its fans during the June 10 home match against Colombia in Buenos Aires. The match ended in a 1-1 draw. FIFA imposed a fine of $149,000 (18.1 million taka) on the Argentine Football Association for racism or discrimination. The match also witnessed a controversial incident involving World Cup-winning star Enzo Fernandez, who received a red card for a hard tackle on a Colombian player. Initially banned for one match, FIFA later extended Fernandez’s suspension to two matches and added a fine of $6,200 (750,000 taka). These actions underline FIFA’s commitment to ensuring player conduct aligns with the principles of fairness and respect.

Other countries also faced sanctions for racist behavior during their qualifying matches. Chile, who lost 1-0 at home to Argentina on June 5, was fined $143,000. Colombia, which played against Peru on June 6, was fined $87,000, while Serbia, facing Andorra on June 10, was fined $62,000. Bosnia-Herzegovina, competing against San Marino, received a $26,000 fine. These six-figure penalties serve as a clear warning that FIFA is serious about combating discrimination and promoting inclusivity in football, a topic that was also a key discussion point at the organization’s annual meeting last year.

By issuing these fines, FIFA has reiterated its strong stance against racism and discriminatory behavior, both on and off the field. The organization aims to create a safer, more respectful environment for players, officials, and fans. The fines against Argentina, Albania, Chile, Colombia, Serbia, and Bosnia-Herzegovina not only serve as punitive measures but also as a reminder to all footballing nations that racism and discrimination will not be tolerated. With football being a global sport, FIFA’s actions are a significant step toward ensuring that the game remains fair, respectful, and free from prejudice.