In June, FIFA has fined six national federations, including defending champion Argentina, for racist abuse by fans in world cup qualifications.
The six countries accused of «discrimination and racist abuse» were Albania, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, according to the sanction list published by FIFA from its disciplinary committee. It did not give any details about one of the cases.
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The Albanian Federation had imposed the biggest fine of 161,500 Swiss Frank ($ 200,000) for a whole series of charges during a home game of 7 June against Serbia, which also included the disturbance of a national anthem and sending «a message that is not suitable for a sporting event.»
Albania and Serbia have historical political tensions that in football in 2014 led to the infamous ‘Drone game’ in Belgrade during a qualification game of the European Championship.
The teams traveled 0-0 in Tirana in June and the return match in Belgrade is October 11. FIFA said that Albania should also reduce the stadium capacity by 20% in a future competition. It houses Latvia next Tuesday in the qualifying group led by England.
Argentina was fined 120,000 Swiss francs ($ 149,000) by FIFA for a single indictment for discrimination or racist abuse during a 10 June match against Colombia in Buenos Aires.
The match ended 1-1 and Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez was sent for a dangerous tackle. FIFA said he had to serve a ban of two games and pay a fine of 5,000 Swiss francs ($ 6,200). Argentina was already progressing to defend his title next year at the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Six -digit fines show a renewed toughness of FIFA against racism and discrimination since a global call during its annual meeting last year for football organizations to take action.
The Chili football federation was fined 115,000 Swiss Frank ($ 143,000) for fan racism a 1-0 home loss against Argentina on June 5. Colombia was fined 70,000 Swiss francs ($ 87,000) after hosting Peru on 6 June.
Serbia has to pay 50,000 Swiss francs ($ 62,000) for racism and other incidents during a match of 10 June against Andorra, and Bosnia-Herzegovina was fined 21,000 Swiss Frank ($ 26,000) for racism and other violations of organizing San Marino.
In most cases, FIFA also ordered its member federations to have a «prevention plan» for future games.
In a separate case of the Club World Cup in June, FIFA concluded a study for lack of evidence against the captain of the Mexican team Pachuca, Gustavo Cabral, after Real Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger claimed that he had been racist by him.
At the time, Cabral denied the statement of racism and said he used an insult to his native Argentina.
Published on 03 September 2025
