The Albanian Football Federation (FSHF) has been punished for chants made by their supporters during Euro 2024, including ones that reportedly included violent messages towards Serbia. As a result of this punishment, Albania striker Mirlind Daku has been banned for two matches after using a megaphone to lead fans in chants directed towards Macedonia and Serbia. Daku previously represented Kosovo before switching to Albania and will miss his team’s upcoming matches as a result of the ban.
Daku issued an apology on social media for his actions, but was still suspended by Uefa for violating the principles of conduct and bringing the sport of football into disrepute. In addition to Daku’s ban, an Albanian journalist had his accreditation revoked after making a controversial gesture towards Serbia fans during an earlier match. Overall, the incidents have led to consequences for both the players and fans involved in the displays of non-sporting behavior at Euro 2024.
The Football Association of Serbia threatened to quit the European Championship if action was not taken against Albania and Croatia for the chants aimed at their team. Albania was fined for various offenses during the tournament, including their fans lighting fireworks and transmitting provocative messages. The FSHF has since issued a statement condemning any form of non-sporting behavior and calling on its supporters to uphold the values of sportsmanship and respect for all teams participating in the tournament.