UEFA has rejected the Croatian Football Federation's appeal against disciplinary measures for incidents during the match against Spain, meaning a fine and a conditional stadium closure remain in place. The HNS must pay a €57,000 fine, and the national team risks a partial stadium closure if similar infringements recur within a two-year probation period.
The sanctions stem from the Nations League match in Split on 6 October, which Croatia lost 2-1. Ivan Perišić opened the scoring in the 17th minute, but Mikel Merino equalised in the 61st and then scored a late winner in the 88th. Perišić was sent off in the 79th minute for a second yellow card, leaving Croatia to finish the match with ten men.
Fine breakdown and conditions
The total fine of €57,000 is composed of three parts. The largest portion, €30,000, is for racist or other discriminatory behaviour by fans. A further €23,000 is for the use of pyrotechnics, and €4,000 for blocking stadium exits. In addition to the financial penalty, UEFA confirmed a conditional order to close 20% of the stadium capacity for one future home match of the national team in a UEFA competition. This measure is not immediate but is linked to a two-year probation period. If a similar infringement occurs within that time, the closure will be automatically enforced.
This is the second sanction for the HNS in a short period. Following the 4-1 away defeat in Seville on 29 September, the federation was fined €20,000 for discriminatory fan behaviour. It also received a conditional ban on selling tickets to Croatian fans for one future away match in UEFA competition. The combined disciplinary costs from these two matches against Spain now total €77,000.
Context and next steps
UEFA's decision comes as the national team is grappling with a difficult run of form. After the defeat to Spain, Croatia suffered a heavy 7-0 loss to England on 3 October. In its last four matches, the team has recorded just one win, against the Czech Republic on 26 September, alongside three defeats. The next challenge is an away fixture against group leaders England on 12 November. This is followed by a home match against the Czech Republic on 15 November, which is the fixture where the conditional stadium closure could be triggered if the probation period is breached.
The HNS must now focus on both sporting recovery and strict adherence to UEFA regulations. Article 26(3) of the 2026 UEFA Disciplinary Regulations states the national association is responsible for the conduct of its supporters, regardless of who caused the incident. The federation has not announced further legal steps, meaning the sanctions are final.
UEFA separately fined the Royal Spanish Football Federation €7,500 for fans entering the pitch after the match in Seville. The Croatia national team now has several weeks before its final matches of the year, with a clear need to turn results around and avoid further disciplinary trouble.
Read the full report at karlobag.eu
