Swiss players escape bans over goal celebrations

MOSCOW: Switzerland goalscorers Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri were fined and warned but escaped bans over their goal celebrations during their politically-charged 2-1 World Cup win over Serbia, FIFA said.

The two players, who are ethnic Albanians and of Kosovar heritage, celebrated with a gesture which appeared to imitate the eagle displayed on Albania’s flag.

Serbia refuses to recognise the independence of its former province Kosovo, whose 1.8 million people are mostly ethnic Albanians, which broke away 10 years ago, and opposed Kosovo’s ultimately successful bid to join FIFA.

They were fined 10,000 Swiss francs (RM40,690) each for ”unsporting behaviour contrary to the principles of fair-play” and warned, while team captain Stephan Lichtsteiner, who joined in with the celebrations, was fined 5,000 Swiss francs (RM20,345) and given a warning, FIFA said.

All three players are free to face Costa Rica in Group E today when Switzerland need a draw to progress to the round of 16.

The Serbian FA were fined 54,000 Swiss francs (RM219,757) and warned for a “display of discriminatory banners and messages” by fans, while their president Slavisa Kokeza and national team coach Mladen Krstajic were fined 5,000 Swiss francs (RM20,345) each and warned for comments they made after the game.

Xhaka and Shaqiri’s behaviour divided opinions in Switzerland with some politicians defending them and others saying they felt their goals were scored by Kosovo rather than Switzerland.

FIFA, world football’s ruling body, and their European counterpart UEFA ensure that Serbia and Kosovo are kept apart when making draws for European competitions.

In another decision, the Argentine FA were fined 105,000 Swiss francs (RM427,224) after their fans were involved in “fights, throwing objects and homophobic and insulting chants” following their 3-0 defeat by Croatia.

Members of the team also failed to attend a touchline interview immediately after the match, which infringed media and marketing regulations, FIFA said.

Croatia’s FA were fined 13,000 Swiss francs (RM52,900) after their fans were involved in fights and throwing of objects during the same game.