After the qualifying match between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Romania in Zenica, the Romanian Football Federation (FRF) published a harsh statement in which it expressed its deep dissatisfaction with the organization of the match and the behavior of some of the local fans.
According to FRF, the duel in Zenica “offered everything that football should avoid”, with the message that the atmosphere in the stands “did not pay tribute to the most popular sport in the world”, but turned the event into an example of what modern football should not look like.
Whistles and chants
The Association states that xenophobic chants were heard during the warm-up, and the singing of the Romanian national anthem was met with loud whistles that made the song “almost inaudible in the arena”. The FRF points out that this is an “elementary disrespect for national symbols”, which it considers a serious violation of the principle of fair play.
The xenophobic chants, FRF claims, continued during the match. The Romanian delegation repeatedly warned officials, and referee Michael Oliver activated UEFA’s “three-step protocol” in the 55th minute due to discrimination. They point out that the public address announcement was only in the local language, which caused additional whistles.
Towards the end of the match, xenophobic chants were heard again, but referee Oliver did not react, according to the Association. It is still not known what was officially recorded in the delegate’s report.
Complaints about insurance conduct
The FRF expressed “deep regret” at the way the Romanian fans were evacuated immediately after the final whistle, describing the security action as “aggressive” and akin to an emergency evacuation rather than a standard end-of-match. They emphasize that security measures must respect the dignity of fans, regardless of the result and circumstances.
Complaint to FIFA announced
The legal department of the Romanian Football Association is preparing a report to the FIFA Disciplinary Commission. In it, they will especially emphasize the poor organization, the state of the infrastructure and the behavior of the local fans. Although FIFA’s rules do not provide a precise mechanism for such situations, the FRF claims that it will seek an adequate procedural path to consider the case.
Criticism from own fans
The FRF also took a critical look at the incident in which some Romanian fans on the way to Bosnia and Herzegovina displayed an offensive message related to a person convicted of crimes against humanity. The Association said that such behavior “in no way represents the spirit of Romanian fans” and that they “categorically reject it”.
Campaign against discrimination
FRF reminds that at the next match between Romania and San Marino, the national campaign “Football in balance! Respect the game, respect the people!”, dedicated to the fight against discrimination and racism, will be implemented. The goal is to send a clear message that the stadium must remain a space of unity and mutual respect.
In the end, the Romanian Football Association reiterated that it remains “firmly committed to the fight against any form of discrimination in football”, both domestically and internationally.
