Julius Okorie
UEFA at the weekend, opened disciplinary proceedings against the Albanian Football Federation (FSHF), over incidents, including a pitch invasion and the throwing of objects during the country’s 2-1 defeat, by Italy in the ongoing Euro 2024.
The European soccer’s governing body said in a statement on Sunday that it had also begun proceedings over the lighting of fireworks by Albania fans during the Group B game, as well as “transmitting a provocative message unfit for a sports event.”
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UEFA did not provide any further details about the message alleged to have been transmitted.
The organisation said UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) will decide on the matter in due course.
An FSHF spokesperson said in a statement that it planned to submit an official statement to the CEDB, within the deadline set by UEFA.
“We would like to emphasise that all necessary measures were taken to ensure the successful organisation of the match,” the spokesperson added.
“The event was a celebration of European football, and no major incidents occurred that would detract from the positive atmosphere.”
Meanwhile in continuation of the Championship, Romania will take on Ukraine, Belgium face Slovakia, while Kylian Mbappe’s France, take on Austria in a match bookmakers have handed France 61% chance of winning.
So far, 22 goals have been scored in the seven matches played, with the opener between Germany and Scotland recording the highest score line, 5-1 in favour of the hosts.
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
