Russia given suspended disqualification from Euro 2016

Uefa has handed Russia a suspended disqualification from Euro 2016 following the crowd violence by its fans inside the Stade Velodrome during its 1-1 draw with England.

The Russian Football Union has also been fined €150,000, and warned that the suspension will be lifted and disqualification imposed if “incidents of a similar nature” happen inside the stadium at any of the remaining matches of the Russian team during the tournament.

A statement issued by Uefa on Tuesday read: “The independent Uefa Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) met today in Paris to deal with the disciplinary proceedings opened against the Russian Football Union (RFU) following the incidents which occurred inside the Stade Velodrome in Marseille, at the Uefa Euro 2016 match against England on 11 June (1-1).

“Charges relating to crowd disturbances, use of fireworks and racist behaviour had been brought against the RFU, and the CEDB decided to impose the following sanctions:

A fine of €150,000.

A suspended disqualification of the Russian national team from Uefa Euro 2016 for the crowd disturbances. In accordance with Article 20 of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations, this disqualification is suspended until the end of the tournament. Such suspension will be lifted if incidents of a similar nature (crowd disturbances) happen inside the stadium at any of the remaining matches of the Russian team during the tournament.

“The decisions of the Uefa Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body is open to appeal.”

Uefa confirmed that they can only take action against a national federation if they are found to be guilty of fan trouble inside a stadium. This means that any repeat of the clashes between English and Russian fans in Marseille’s old port will not result in Russia being thrown out of the competition.

“This decision only relates to the incidents which occurred inside the stadium and are therefore under the jurisdiction of the Uefa Disciplinary Bodies,” the statement added.