Football's world governing body FIFA has brought disciplinary charges against Serbia for alleged misconduct by players and fans during a World Cup match against Switzerland.
This content was published on
2 minutes
AP/SWI/ug
Español
es
FIFA: No se investigará a la selección suiza de fútbol en Qatar
However, it stopped short of launching a probe against the Swiss team or its captain, Granit Xhaka, for obscene gestures against the Serbian bench and other perceived provocations.
The FIFA decision came a day ahead of a crucial game between Portugal and Switzerland for a berth in the quarterfinals in Qatar.
Tensions flared in the stands and on the field in last Friday’s rematch of their stormy game at the 2018 World Cup that revived ethnic Balkan rivalries.
Switzerland was captained by Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri scored the opening goal in a 3-2 win that eliminated Serbia. Both Swiss players have ethnic Albanian roots and family ties to Kosovo, which declared independence from Serbia in 2008. Serbia doesn’t recognise Kosovo’s sovereignty.
FIFA on Monday didn’t specify which incidents at Stadium 974 led to charges relating to “misconduct of players and officials,” discrimination and “misconduct of players and officials.”
Anti-Kosovo chants were heard from the section of Serbia fans, who targeted Shaqiri with verbal abuse in the first half.
Several Serbia players in the dugout encroached on the field in the second half when the referee didn’t use video review to study a claim for a penalty kick.
FIFA, world soccer’s governing body, gave no timetable for the disciplinary case. Any punishments could apply when Serbia next plays competitive games in March in a European Championship qualifying group.
More
More
How Qatar could spy on World Cup visitors
This content was published on
Drones, surveillance vehicles and mobile-phone hacking: the clandestine spying services proposed to Qatar by a former CIA agent.
Should raw milk sales be banned or should consumers decide?
Swiss food regulations do not allow raw milk to be sold for direct consumption. However, a loophole allows 400 raw milk vending machines to do just that.
Study finds more heavy metal detected in Swiss grassland
This content was published on
Copper and zinc can be expected to accumulate in the soil, particularly if farmyard manure is used for several years and is greater than the amount of nutrients absorbed by the grass. This was announced by the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) on Friday. The findings are based on the results of the seventh National Soil Monitoring of Switzerland (Nabo).
Lilo Baur wins Swiss Grand Prix for performing arts
This content was published on
The Swiss actress and theatre director Lilo Baur has received this year's Swiss Grand Prix for Performing Arts, also known as the Hans Reinhart Ring.
Court rules al-Qaeda supporter can stay in Switzerland
This content was published on
A Kurdish supporter of the Islamist terrorist network al-Qaeda can stay in Switzerland, the Federal Administrative Court has ruled. It has withdrawn the annulment of the man’s provisional admission.
This content was published on
The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland (OAG) has closed criminal proceedings relating to the Swiss owners affected by the Volkswagen “Dieselgate” emissions scandal.
This content was published on
The employment outlook in Switzerland will remain stable towards the end of 2024, according to the KOF Swiss Economic Institute at ETH Zurich.
Swiss woman accuses Donald Trump of sexual assault
This content was published on
A former Miss Switzerland candidate has accused Donald Trump of sexually assaulting her in New York in 1993. The US Republican candidate’s campaign team has denied the accusations.
Red Cross denounces lack of conflict mediation as aid needs explode
This content was published on
A lack of political leadership in brokering peace deals is prolonging conflicts and stretching aid groups, a senior official of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said on Thursday.
Swiss finance minister says stricter bank rules needed for trust
This content was published on
Swiss Finance Minister Karin Keller-Sutter said efforts to revamp banking regulation are designed to ensure trust in the nation’s financial centre.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Swiss prepare for history-laden clash with Serbia at World Cup
This content was published on
Ahead of Friday’s mustn’t-lose match against Serbia, Swiss footballers are playing down political tensions from the previous encounter.
Football association chief ‘disappointed’ over FIFA armband decision
This content was published on
SFA President Dominique Blanc says he was disappointed about FIFA’s decision to ban the “OneLove” armband at the World Cup in Qatar.
Switzerland disappointed at ‘OneLove’ World Cup armband ban
This content was published on
The Swiss football team has backed down on a pledge to adorn their captain with a World Cup armband sporting the ‘OneLove’ message of inclusion.
FIFA’s Infantino criticises ‘moral lessons’ of World Cup detractors
This content was published on
Saying he feels "gay" and like a migrant worker, FIFA president Gianni Infantino derided criticism of Qatar 2022 as hypocrisy.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.