Romania Faces Punitive Measures After Racist Fan Chants

Romania's soccer federation lost its appeal against UEFA sanctions due to racist fan chants during a game against Kosovo. The team must now play its first home match for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in an empty stadium as punishment.

Romania's soccer federation faced a setback after losing an appeal against UEFA's sanctions for racist fan chants. As a result, their first home qualifier for the 2026 World Cup must be played in an empty stadium.

The incident originated from the Romania-Kosovo game, where fans chanted anti-Hungary and pro-Serbia slogans, leading to offense. Kosovo's team halted play at a 0-0 score, resulting in a 3-0 default win granted to Romania by UEFA.

CAS upheld UEFA's decision, including fines totaling 128,000 euros. The Romanian Football Federation did not contest the disciplinary breach, just the severity of sanctions. Meanwhile, Kosovo is still appealing UEFA's ruling to forfeit the game.