FIFA Initiates Disciplinary Proceedings Against 2018 World Cup Runners-Up Croatia Over Canadian Goalkeeper’s Abuse From Fans

After Germany, FIFA is bringing a disciplinary hammer to drop on Croatia after their match against Canada. Teams faced each other in a group F encounter which Croatia won convincingly by 4-1. The group is a little mixed up as Croatia, Morocco, and Belgium all still have the shot for the next round.

Canada, however, is eliminated from the tournament and will play their last match of the tournament against Morocco. FIFA did not provide any timeline for the decision, which is most probably going to be a monetary fine for the Croatian Soccer Federation.

The case against Croatia is about the Goalkeeper of Canada being heckled by the fans. During Croatia vs Canada, fans had taunting signs against Milan Borjan who comes of Croatian descent. 

Fans brought up Borjan’s troubled past

Fifa charged the Croatian Federation for the behavior of their fans, citing rules for discrimination and security at games of the tournament. Borjan’s family was the part of Serbs region of Yugoslavia during their partition in the 90s fled the country on tractors when the Croatian army charged the city.

The fans had banners decrypting the ethnic cleansing during the Balkan wars in the 90s, which Borjan’s family fled from.

According to reports, his number is also leaked, and he received numerous insults.

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He said he won’t hold Croatian players accountable for the insults he is going through. He also went on wishing them luck, as they have an almost confirmed place for the next round. 

FIFA and disciplinary actions

This is not the first case FIFA has opened in this tournament. Recently, FIFA launched an investigation against Germany for not following rules. Germany manager Hansi Flick attended a press conference without any German player present. Flick reported that players have the training to go through. The distance between the press center and Germany’s base is around 130 miles. 

FIFA had rejected their plea of having the conference at the base. For breaking the rules ahead of their match against Spain, FIFA fined Germany 10.5k USD. Fans are applauding Canadian goalkeeper Milan Borjan for his calm, after getting taunted and abused by fans.

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In other World Cup news, Portugal and Brazil cemented their place in the Round of 16 by beating Uruguay and Switzerland, respectively. Iran will face the USA in a group-defining match where the winning team will cement the position for the next round.