FIFA investigating Serbia for ‘hateful’ Kosovo flag in dressing room

FIFA opened proceedings in opposition to Serbia’s soccer affiliation after a flag that confirmed Kosovo as a part of their nation was allegedly hung within the dressing room once they confronted Brazil on the World Cup, the soccer governing physique mentioned on Saturday.

The picture of the flag with the message “we do not surrender” in Serbian went viral on social media when it was shared by Hajrulla Ceku, Kosovo’s Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sport.

“Disgraceful images from Serbia locker room, displaying hateful, xenophobic and genocidal messages towards Kosova while exploiting FIFA World Cup platform,” Ceku mentioned on Twitter.

“We expect concrete actions from FIFA considering that the Kosovo Football Federation (FFK) is a full FIFA and UEFA member.”

Kosovo turned 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 against the Football Association of Serbia due to a flag displayed in their dressing room on the occasion of the Brazil v Serbia,” it mentioned in a press release.

“The proceedings were opened on the basis of article 11 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and article 4 of the Regulations for the FIFA World Cup 2022.”

The FFK mentioned it strongly condemned the “aggressive action” in opposition to the nation.

“The World Cup is an event of joy and unity and should send messages of hope and peace, not messages of hatred. We call FIFA to take action against such actions,” they mentioned.

Serbia, who misplaced 2-0 to Brazil, subsequent play Cameroon on Monday. Their soccer federation (FSS) didn’t reply when requested for remark.