UEFA Verdict: Kosovo Handed Technical Defeat, Romania Fined Heavily
UEFA has delivered its verdict on the controversial Nations League Group Stage match between Romania and Kosovo, which ended prematurely in chaos.
The match, held during the fifth round of the tournament, was abandoned in additional time (90+3) with the score tied at 0-0. The disruption was caused by Romanian fans, who chanted "Serbia, Serbia!", displayed a large banner with Serbia's flag, and threw objects onto the pitch. In response, the Kosovo team walked off the field, halting play entirely.
UEFA Nations League: Results & Standings
The stakes were high for Kosovo—had they secured a victory (3:0 or better), they would have topped their group. However, UEFA’s decision has dealt a major blow to their ambitions. Kosovo has been handed a 3-0 technical defeat for abandoning the game.
Romania, meanwhile, has not escaped unscathed. The Romanian Football Federation (FRF) has been fined €128,000, and the national team will play their next home fixture behind closed doors as punishment for the crowd's behavior.