UEFA launches disciplinary proceeding against Croatia for pro-Nazi flag

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) – UEFA on Wednesday launched a disciplinary proceeding against the Croatian football body for a pro-Nazi regime symbol during a UEFA EURO 2024 qualifying group game.

In a statement, the Croatian Football Federation said that a FARE (Football Against Racism in Europe) observer submitted a report that an individual among the Croatian fans during the match against Latvia was seen to raise a flag of the Ustasha regime on several occasions as the European football's governing body opened a disciplinary case for racism and discrimination.

On Sept. 8, Croatia beat Latvia 5-0 in a EURO 2024 qualifying Group D match in Rijeka.

Having a game in hand, Croatia, who previously won bronze medal at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, are on top of the group with 10 points.

In the next fixture, Croatia will host their nearest opponents Türkiye in a critical match in Osijek on Oct.12. Türkiye have 10 points in five matches.

The Croatian football body said that it is "currently under a suspended sentence" due to a discriminatory behavior of fans at the UEFA Nations League finals held in June in the Netherlands.

So a new sentence by UEFA can make Croatia play their next home match behind closed doors against Türkiye next month.

The Croatian Football Federation added that it would take legal action against people, who damaged the Croatian football team and country's reputation.

The Ustasha, a Croatian fascist and ultranationalist organization, was active in 1929-1945.