FIFA warn Besiktas defender Vida over Ukraine comments

The Croatian defender is in hot water after making controversial anti-Russian remarks on Saturday evening.

FIFA has investigated and warned Domagoj Vida for his conduct after the Croatia international allegedly made anti-Russia comments following his side’s quarter-final win against the World Cup hosts.

FIFA, the World Cup organizers and world football’s governing body, said in a statement:

“We can confirm that FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has sent a warning to the player Domagoj Vida due to his video statement following the 2018 FIFA World Cup match between Russia and Croatia.”

Vida was on the scoresheet with an extra-time header as Croatia triumphed on penalties following a thrilling 2-2 draw in Sochi on Saturday, booking a semi-final clash against England.

But the Besiktas defender could have been sanctioned prior to that game with FIFA looking into comments he seemingly made in a social media video.

Appearing alongside former Croatia international Ognjen Vukojevic – with whom he played at Dynamo Kiev – Vida said: “Glory to Ukraine.”

The phrase has been used by Ukrainian anti-Russian nationalists, with Vukojevic adding: “This victory is for Dynamo and Ukraine.”

FIFA’s 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.