The Croatian and Serbian soccer federations were fined by FIFA on Wednesday for making Balkan political statements at the World Cup.
FIFA fined the Croatians $53,000 US after the team’s fans verbally abused and taunted Canada goalkeeper Milan Borjan, who has Serbian family ties.
Borjan was born in an ethnic Serbian region of Croatia. He and his family left their hometown in 1995 when it was taken by Croatian forces. The ethnic Serbs are said to have fled on tractors.
During Canada’s 4-1 loss on Nov. 27, one banner displayed by Croatia fans used a flag of tractor manufacturer John Deere and changed the marketing slogan to target Borjan.
WATCH | FIFA investigate Croatia after fans taunt Canada’s goalkeeper
FIFA opened a disciplinary case against Croatia after taunts from the team’s fans during their World Cup game were aimed at Canada’s goalkeeper, Milan Borjan. Borjan was born in an ethnic Serb region of Croatia.
The Serbian soccer federation was fined $21,300 for a political banner about neighbouring Kosovo displayed in the locker room before playing Brazil in the team’s opening game.
The Kosovo soccer federation formally complained to FIFA about the banner, which was hung over two Serbia players’ lockers on Nov. 24.
FIFA also fined Saudi Arabia $32,000 for “team misconduct” after getting six yellow cards in games against Argentina and Mexico.
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