In a significant development, UEFA’s Disciplinary Committee has officially awarded Romania a 3-0 victory over Kosovo in their Nations League match that was abandoned on November 15, 2024. The decision comes after a thorough review of the incident that saw Kosovo players leave the field in the closing minutes of the game.The match, which took place in Bucharest, was marred by controversy when Kosovo’s team abandoned the pitch during stoppage time, citing provocative chants from the Romanian crowd. However, UEFA’s ruling suggests that Kosovo’s actions were not justified under the circumstances.While Romania has been granted the win, the decision comes with financial repercussions.
The Romanian Football Federation faces a series of fines totaling 50,000 euros for various infractions:
- 30,000 euros for politically provocative messages deemed inappropriate for a sporting event
- 9,000 euros for object throwing
- 4,500 euros for the use of fireworks
- 8,000 euros for laser pointer use
- 12,500 euros for disturbances during national anthems
- 14,000 euros for blocking public passageways
UEFA’s official statement declares, “The Nations League match between Romania and Kosovo on November 15, 2024, is considered lost by the Football Federation of Kosovo, as the game was not played in its entirety.”The Kosovo Football Federation has not escaped punishment either, receiving a 6,000 euro fine for their team’s improper conduct.This ruling has significant implications for Romania’s standing in the Nations League. With the awarded victory, Romania now accumulates 18 points in Group C2, securing their position in the second pot for the 2026 World Cup qualifying draw, scheduled for December 13. It’s worth noting that Kosovo retains the right to appeal this decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
The potential for an appeal adds an element of uncertainty to the final outcome of this controversial match.This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in international football, particularly in matches involving teams from regions with complex political histories. It also underscores UEFA’s stance on maintaining order and completing matches as scheduled, barring extraordinary circumstances.As the football world digests this decision, attention will now turn to how both federations respond and what measures might be implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.
