The match between Croatia and Nigeria (#CRONGA) may have held nearly a month ago but world football governing body, FIFA, is still interested in happening during the game.

According to reports, FIFA is investigating the use of political messages by fans and players of the European nation, who are in the final of the World Cup and will play France on Sunday.

FIFA said Croatian fans displayed the banner of The Ustasha during the game at the Kaliningrad Stadium on June 16.

The Ustasha is a defunct Croatian fascist, racist, ultranationalist and terrorist organisation which held sway between 1929 and 1945 and fought for Croatia’s independence and dissolution of Yugoslavia.

The world football governing body also warned defender, Domagoj Vida over a separate incident, while a retired Croatian player, Ognjen Vukojević, was fined.

Vukojević was caught on video saying, “This is a victory for the Dynamo (Kiev) and for Ukraine!” which caused infuriated Russians officials to express 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.

The former Dinamo Zagreb and Dynamo Kyiv defensive midfielder was relieved of his duties and had his accreditation revoked.
Nigeria lost the game 2-0 courtesy of an Oghenekaro Etebo own goal and a Luka Modric penalty.

Share on:  Whatsapp  Twitter  Facebook