Euro 2024: Albania striker Mirlind Daku banned by UEFA for Offensive Chants

Add as a preferred source on Google

Albania striker Mirlind Daku has been sanctioned by UEFA after offensive chants following their match against Croatia in the Euro 2024.

Albania managed a 2-2 draw against the Crotes in a Group B encounter and Daku was heard instigating offensive chants against North Macedonia with the Albanian supporters.

Although he apologized to North Macedonia later, UEFA has taken strict action against the Albanian striker. The 26-year-old striker from Rubin Kazan has only played 5 minutes in the Euro 2024, but his offense has likely ended his part in this Euros tournament.

UEFA released a statement saying the player is now banned for the next two competitive UEFA matches. Daku's suspension will extend into the UEFA Nations League in September if Albania exits during the group stage.

"Daku will be banned for a total of two UEFA representative team competition matches for which he would be otherwise eligible," said UEFA in a statement.

The statement also elaborated that "failing to comply with the general principles of conduct, for violating the basic rules of decent conduct, for using sports events for manifestations of a non-sporting nature and for bringing the sport of football into disrepute."

"He knows he made a mistake. He has apologized, and now we need to think about tomorrow's," Berat Djimsiti, the Albania captain, told reporters on Sunday in Dusseldorf.

"We are here to play football in a major tournament. We are here to talk about football. There is not much to say. We can't waste energy on anything other than preparing for tomorrow's game," Albania's Brazilian coach Syvinho refused to comment on the matter.

Fines and Investigations

UEFA also handed the Albanian Football Association fines totalling 47,500 euros ($50,787) for several offences related to the Croatia game. Of that, 25,000 euros was for "transmitting provocative messages not fit for a sports event", 20,000 euros was for invasions of the pitch, and 2,500 euros was for the lighting of fireworks. UEFA said investigations into potential racist or discriminatory conduct by supporters in the Croatia match are also being done.