FIFA sanctioned the Football Association of Serbia for incidents during the World Cup qualifier match against England in Belgrade. The Serbian team must hold its next home qualifier against Albania with partial stadium closure.
The organization also fined Serbia 80,000 Swiss francs (over €85,000).
The sanctions were imposed due to breaches of order and discipline: spectators using lasers, inappropriate gestures, disturbances during anthems, and instances of discriminatory behavior.
According to the disciplinary committee’s decision, at the October 11 match in Leskovac, at least 20% of the stands will be closed, mainly behind the goals. The Serbian FA must submit a seating plan to FIFA in advance and may allocate some seats to families, students, and anti-discrimination groups with FIFA approval.
In qualifying Group K, Serbia ranks third with 7 points, trailing England (15) and Albania (8).
