The UEFA Appeals Body has awarded Romania a 3-0 victory after Kosovo abandoned their Nations League match in Bucharest last week. However, the Romanian Football Federation (FRF) has been fined, and the national team will be required to play their next home match behind closed doors.

This forfeit victory means Romania wins all six matches in their Nations League group, finishing with a perfect tally of 18 points, according to Biziday.ro. Kosovo, who finished second, ended their campaign with 12 points.

The controversy occurred during the match on 15th November in Bucharest. With the score at 0-0 during second-half stoppage time, Kosovo’s players left the field after hearing chants of "Serbia, Serbia" from Romanian supporters, accusing the home fans of “racial discrimination.” The Romanian team remained on the pitch for 74 minutes before the referee officially ended the match, as the Kosovar players refused to return.

On 20th November, the UEFA Appeals Body issued its ruling, declaring:

“The Nations League 2025 match between the representative teams of the Romanian Football Federation and the Football Federation of Kosovo, played on 15th November 2024, is forfeited by the Football Federation of Kosovo (who is therefore deemed to have lost the match 3-0) for being responsible for the match not being played in full.”

The Football Federation of Kosovo was also fined €6,000 for the improper conduct of its players.

Sanctions for Romania

Despite being awarded the 3-0 victory, Romania was hit with a series of fines and sanctions. UEFA announced:

“The Romanian Football Federation is fined €50,000 and ordered to close their stadium for the next match in which they are the host association, due to the racist and/or discriminatory behaviour of their supporters (specifically xenophobic anti-Hungarian chants).”

Additionally, the FRF was fined for several other infractions, including:

• €30,000 for transmitting provocative political messages inappropriate for a sporting event,

• €9,000 for throwing objects,

• €4,500 for lighting fireworks,

• €8,000 for the use of a laser pointer,

• €12,500 for causing a disturbance during the national anthems, and

• €14,000 for blocking public passageways.

Kosovo’s Response

Kosovo has indicated its intention to appeal UEFA’s decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, as reported by The Guardian.

The disciplinary measures have cast a shadow over what should have been a straightforward Nations League campaign, highlighting ongoing tensions both on and off the pitch.