Kosovo’s UEFA Nations League match against Romania in Bucharest was abandoned after the visiting team left the pitch in protest. The incident occurred during stoppage time of a goalless draw, with Kosovo’s players walking off in response to chants from the Romanian fans.
The confrontation escalated after audible chants of “Serbia, Serbia, Serbia” were heard, prompting Kosovo’s players to exit the field. The Kosovan Football Federation (FFK) claimed that chants of “Kosovo is Serbia” were also directed at the team, accusing the Romanian supporters of engaging in racist provocations throughout the match. Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, but Serbia and several other nations, including Romania, do not recognize this independence.
Kosovo’s FFK also stated that there were “racist and anti-Kosovo” chants, and that objects were thrown onto the pitch. The statement described the players’ departure as a response to the “lack of safety and dignity” caused by the behavior of the Romanian fans, alleging that the Kosovo anthem was booed before the match and other forms of hostility were directed at the team.
Adding to the tension, Kosovo’s Lumbardh Dellova made an eagle gesture—a symbol associated with the flag of Greater Albania—in the direction of the Romanian supporters after the chants. This gesture, which has historical and political significance, particularly between Albanians and Serbs, sparked further controversy.
In response, the Romanian Football Federation (FRF) denied the accusations, particularly the claim that the “Kosovo is Serbia” chant was heard, and emphasized that there were no racist chants during the match. The FRF also expressed gratitude for the “civilized attitude” of the Romanian fans, despite the provocations from the Kosovo players. The FRF suggested that Kosovo’s actions were premeditated and accused the Kosovo delegation of initiating confrontations with Romanian journalists after the match.
Following the walk-off, UEFA confirmed that disciplinary proceedings had been initiated against both the FFK and the FRF. The match, which had been stopped due to the escalating tension, was officially abandoned an hour later, with no further play scheduled.
This incident follows a similar situation in September 2023, when a Euro 2024 qualifier between Romania and Kosovo was suspended after Romanian fans displayed a “Kosovo is Serbia” banner and chanted the same slogan. The match resumed after a 45-minute delay, and Romania won 2-0 but faced a fine and was ordered to play their next home match behind closed doors.
Kosovo’s withdrawal from the match leaves them second in their Nations League C Group 2, with a draw in the match securing their spot in a promotion play-off. Romania, who had won their first four matches in the group, remain on track for promotion to League B. If it is ruled to be Romania’s fault the game is abandoned Kosovo will get a 3-0 win which will give them a realistic chance of topping their Nations League group.
The political tensions surrounding Kosovo’s independence continue to influence football matches, with this latest incident serving as a reminder of the sensitive issues that still divide the region, stemming from the violent conflict in the late 1990s during the breakup of Yugoslavia.
