World football governing body, FIFA, is investigating Croatia international Domagoj Vida after it was alleged he made anti-Russia comments following his side’s quarter-final win against the World Cup hosts.
Vida scored an extra-time goal for Croatia who booked a place in the semi-finals of the ongoing 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia defeating the hosts 4-3 on penalties following a thrilling 2-2 draw in Sochi on Saturday.
Vida alongside former Croatia international Ognjen Vukojevic – with whom he played at Dynamo Kiev said “Glory to Ukraine.” In a video posted on social media.
The phrase has been used by Ukrainian anti-Russian nationalists, with Vukojevic adding: “This victory is for Dynamo and Ukraine.”
Vida’s fate is now in FIFA’s hands, with the body examining the incident.
“FIFA is processing the different reports of the said match as well as potential evidence concerning the matter,” FIFA said in a statement released on its media channel.
“Please understand, until we have evaluated all information available, we cannot comment further.”
According to FIFA ethics code, the disciplinary code prohibits “political slogans in any form” with “anyone who provokes the general public during a match” facing a two-match ban.
Switzerland players including Xherdan Shaqiri were fined but not banned for making hand gestures resembling an eagle, a symbol of Albania, against Serbia earlier in the World Cup.
Croatia will face England in the semi-finals on Wednesday.
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