Switzerland players Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri are the subject of FIFA disciplinary proceedings following their controversial goal celebration against Serbia.
Xhaka and Shaqiri, who are both of Albanian-Kosovan heritage, celebrated their goals in the 2-1 Group E win by putting their hands together to form a double-headed eagle similar to the one on the Albanian flag.
This nationalist symbol risked inflaming tensions in the Balkans among Serbians – who do not recognise Kosovo’s independence – and ethnic Albanians.
“In relation to the same match, disciplinary proceedings have been opened against the Serbian FA for crowd disturbance and the display of political and offensive messages by Serbian fans.
“Furthermore, a preliminary investigation has been opened against the coach of the Serbian national team Mladen Krstajic for alleged statements made in the aftermath of the said match.”
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has also sanctioned the Polish Football Association with a fine of 10,000 Swiss Francs after fans displayed a political and offensive banner during the match against Senegal.
The Argentinian FA and Croatian FA have also had disciplinary proceedings opened against them after crowd disturbances.
