UEFA have rejected Croatia’s appeal against a one-point deduction after a swastika was daubed on the pitched when they played Italy in a Euro 2016 qualifier in Split in June.
The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) had apologised for the incident, which they said “brought prejudice against football and the Croatian State”, and labelled it an act of sabotage.
The match, which finished in a 1-1 draw had been played behind closed doors due to another punishment handed down to Croatia by UEFA.
A UEFA statement on the appeal read: “The appeal by the HNS was rejected, and the original decision…has been upheld.
“The HNS has also been ordered to play its next two home games in UEFA competition behind closed doors, and ordered not to play any of its remaining qualifiers at the Stadion Poljud in Split.
“In addition, the HNS has been fined 100,000 euros ($113,039; o72,776). This decision is final.”
The deduction means Croatia remain third in qualifying Group H, two points behind Norway in second and four adrift of leaders Italy with two matches remaining.
Only the top two are guaranteed automatic qualification for the finals in France next year, along with the best third-placed side. The remaining third-placed nations go into play-offs, but Croatia could yet be caught for third by Bulgaria, whom they face in Zagreb next month before going to Malta for their final game.
