UEFA suspends Mirlind Daka for two matches amid ethnic remarks during Euro 2024 action
European football governing body UEFA announced a two-match ban for Albanian international Mirlind Daka, who also plays for Rubin Kazan, following allegations that he directed ethnic insults toward Serbs and Macedonians after the Euro 2024 fixture against Croatia. The decision underscores a zero tolerance stance on discriminatory behavior in the buildup to and during major tournaments, and it reflects the continued effort to uphold fair play across national associations and clubs involved in European competition. The sanctions were issued after a formal review concluded that remarks made by Daka breached UEFA’s regulations on harassment and discrimination, and they were applied to matches that occur in the future window of the competition cycle.
The suspension has a direct impact on Albania’s potential play-off trajectory. If the Albanian team advances, Daka would be unavailable for the matches in the play-off rounds, including the planned fixture against Spain in the third round of the Euro 2024 group stage, as well as the 1/8 final should Albania reach that stage. The absence of a player with Daka’s experience could influence squad selection and strategic planning for the national side in the crucial knockout phase. The governing bodies will be watching how the team adapts to this situation, and the broader implications for squad depth and cohesion during high-pressure fixtures are expected to be carefully analyzed by coaches and federation staff.
The Euro 2024 clash between Albania and Croatia ended in a 2-2 draw. Early in the match, Kazim Laci opened the scoring for Albania, injecting momentum into the contest. Croatia responded with a precise strike from Andrej Kramaric, and an own goal from Albanian defender Klaus Gyasula shifted the momentum further in favor of the visitors. In a dramatic second half, two Croatian goals challenged the Albanian defense, pushing the game toward a tense late stage. In the closing moments, Gyasula managed to restore parity for Albania, equalizing in the final moments of the match. The competitive nature of the game highlighted both teams’ capabilities as well as the intense pressure that accompanies international fixtures, where momentary errors or controversial exchanges can have wide-reaching consequences.
The North Macedonian Football Federation subsequently requested a formal public apology from Daku and urged UEFA to undertake an official investigation into the incident. The federation emphasized the importance of maintaining institutional standards and ensuring that players reflect the values of sport, including respect for all nationalities and cultures involved in European competition. The request echoed a broader sentiment across the region urging accountability for statements made by players that touch on ethnicity or national identity, especially in a setting as visible as Euro 2024.
Earlier reporting indicated that Rubin Kazan would consider disciplinary action against Daku. The prospective legal and disciplinary steps were described as aimed at addressing insults alleged to have been made on ethnic grounds, underscoring the seriousness with which clubs and federations treat behavior that disrupts the integrity of the game. The unfolding events reflect ongoing debates within European football about how best to balance competitive passion with respect for opponents and spectators, and they illustrate how disciplinary frameworks operate when incidents occur at the intersection of sport, national identity, and public perception.
Observers note that suspensions of this kind are designed not only to punish but also to deter, signaling a clear message to players and teams about the consequences of actions that could inflame tensions among fans or undermine the spirit of the competition. The incident serves as a reminder of the accountability structures in Euro tournaments and the role of national federations and clubs in upholding the standards that govern conduct on and off the pitch. As the season progresses, teams will adapt to the evolving rules and enforcement practices, ensuring that the focus remains on performance, teamwork, and the fair treatment of opponents regardless of nationality or background.