By Mark Baber
January 10 – The Hungarian Football Federation (MLSZ) is to appeal the January 8 sanction imposed by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee which will see the national team play its next home World Cup qualifier against Romania behind closed doors.
Following the friendly match between Hungary and Israel, played 15 August 2012 in Budapest, FIFA was informed by FARE (Football Against Racism Europe), the Israelitische Kultusgmeinde Wien and the Centre Simon Wiesenthal, that a group of supporters had chanted anti-Semitic chants and displayed offensive symbols.
The matter was investigated, the MLSZ acknowledged and condemned the behaviour of a group of Hungarian supporters and the FIFA Committee decided that the 22 March 2013 World Cup qualifier against Romania will be played without spectators. A fine of CHF 40,000 was imposed on the MLSZ.
The Hungarian Football Association, announced today it will be appealing the decision which it feels is excessive and unjust in that it penalises the whole of Hungary’s football community.
“To punish tens of thousands of fans in this way is a huge punishment, not only to the MLSZ but to Hungarian football fans and society as a whole, and the association therefore finds FIFA’s decision disproportionate and excessive.
“The MLSZ is committed to the fight against racism and discrimination and will continue to make sure extremist voices that do not adhere to civilised norms disappear from Hungarian football fields as soon as possible.
“The Hungarian Football Federation also asks supporters for help in showing sporting behaviour while expressing their devotion to the national team.”
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