Football

Albanian Football Federation to file UEFA complaint over Czech fans' behaviour in Nations League match

The Albanian Football Federation (AFF) plans to lodge a complaint with the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) concerning the behaviour of Czech fans during their recent Nations League match.

The Czech national team secured a 2-0 victory over Albania at home during the third round of Group B1 in the UEFA Nations League. During the game, home supporters displayed an inverted Albanian flag, a banner reading "Kosovo is Serbia," and chanted similar slogans.

"The Albanian Football Federation strongly condemns the disgraceful actions that occurred during the match against the Czech Republic. Racist slurs and the desecration of the Albanian flag are unacceptable and should not happen during football matches. These acts are a gross violation of football's values and respect among nations.

The AFF firmly condemns any form of racism and derogation towards national symbols and intends to submit a protest to UEFA, demanding immediate actions. The federation responded swiftly after the first half by appealing to the organisers to take prompt action against these activities, to prevent the situation from escalating and the match from being abandoned. 

Football is a game that brings people together, promoting equality and respect for everyone, regardless of nationality or ethnic origin. Albanians, as part of the larger football family, will always uphold these values and will not tolerate any forms of racism or incitement to hatred, condemning anyone who attempts to tarnish the beauty of the sport," the AFF press office stated.

The Albanian national team currently holds third place in the Group B1 standings with three points, while the Czech Republic is in second place with six points.

In the next Nations League fixture, Sylvinho's team will play away against Georgia on October 14.