On the eve of a decisive match for qualification for the round of 16 of the Euro against Spain (9 p.m.), the Albanian Federation was sanctioned for the behavior of its supporters against Croatia. Filmed shouting insulting chants towards North Macedonia, striker Mirlind Daku is suspended for two matches.
Double blow for Albania. Still alive to qualify for the round of 16 of the Euro before challenging Spain on Monday evening (9 p.m.), the Albanians will have to do without their striker Mirlind Daku. After the match against Croatia (2-2), he uttered insulting chants against Serbia and North Macedonia, megaphone in hand (“f…k the Macedonians, f…ck the Serbs”).
Despite quickly apologizing, he was sanctioned by the UEFA disciplinary committee, which suspended him for two matches for “violation of basic rules of behavior”, “use of a sporting event for a demonstration of a non-sporting nature”, and “for having brought football into disrepute”, explained the body. He will therefore be absent against the Spaniards in Düsseldorf.
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A slim hope of qualification for the Albanians
At the same time, UEFA imposed a fine of 47,500 euros on the Albanian Federation (AFL) for lighting pyrotechnic devices, broadcasting “inappropriate messages” and for having “interrupted the match” against the Croatians on June 19. In a statement, the AFL called on its supporters to be “more responsible and avoid the creation of these completely avoidable incidents and riots”.
“The AFL invites fans and football lovers to support the Albanian national team to the end in this magical and historic journey to Euro 2024, by demonstrating citizenship and responsibility through correct behavior and respecting the rules and the opponents,” she says. UEFA specifies that the investigation into potential racist or discriminatory behavior by supporters of this match is still ongoing.
With one point in two days, Sylvinho’s team can still believe in qualifying for the round of 16. Albania will qualify as group runners-up if they beat Spain and Croatia beat Italy, provided the Albanians finish ahead of the Croatians on overall goal difference, with the two nations having parted on a draw during their confrontation (2-2). Albania will not be able to reach the round of 16 if they lose, or if they draw and Croatia beat Italy.
