Although the match between Croatia and the Super Eagles of Nigeria in the ongoing World Cup was played nearly a month ago, world’s football governing body, the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) is reportedly interested in investigating happenings during the game.
According to reports, FIFA is keen to investigate the use of political messages by fans and players of Croatia, who have already qualified for the finals of the 2018 World Cup and will play France on Sunday.
FIFA said Croatian fans displayed the banner of ‘The Ustasha’ during the encounter which was played at the Kaliningrad Stadium on June 16.
The Ustasha is a defunct Croatian fascist, racist, ultranationalist and terrorist organization which held sway between 1929 and 1945 and fought for Croatia’s independence and the dissolution of Yugoslavia.
The world football governing body also warned defender, Domagoj Vida over a separate incident, while a retired Croatian player one of its current assistant coaches, Ognjen Vukojević was fined.
Vukojević was caught on video after their penalty shoot-out victory over the hosts saying, “This is a victory for the Dynamo (Kiev) and for Ukraine!”, an action which caused infuriated Russian officials to express their concerns to FIFA.
Vukojević who currently works as a scout for Dynamo Kyiv in Balkan countries, was his nation’s scout for the Nigeria national team and players before the game. He was later relieved of his duties and had his accreditation revoked.
Nigeria lost the game 2-0 courtesy of a first half own goal by Oghenekaro Etebo and a Luka Modric penalty in the second half.
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