UEFA Make Unusual World Cup Qualifier Decision after Abandoned Match

UEFA have made an unusual decision regarding an upcoming World Cup qualifier after an abandoned match.

Back in 2014, Serbia and Albania faced each other in a tense UEFA EURO 2016 qualifying match in Belgrade. With the score goalless, the game had to be abandoned when fighting broke out between players, fans and team officials.

The incident occurred after a drone lowered a flag displaying the insignia of 'Greater Albania'.

UEFA initally ordered Albania to forfeit the game, giving Serbia a 3-0 default win, although the Serbian team were then deducted three points.

The case was taken to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which ruled that Serbia were to blame for the match not being completed and awarded Albania a 3-0 victory. The countries have faced each other twice since then, most recently playing out a stalemate in June during their World Cup qualifier.

Serbia and Albania in a World Cup qualifier in June. Image: ADNAN BECI / Contributor via Getty

They were scheduled to meet again in Belgrade on 11 October, but UEFA have now decided to move the venue.

The match will instead by played at the Gradksi Stadion Dubocica in Leskovac, near the Kosovo border.

The Serbian Football Association requested the change, and the Albanian Football Association agreed following high-risk assessments. The move has been made for security reasons, with the hope that a change of venue may help avoid tensions.

It has not yet been confirmed whether there will be any restrictions on fans, with Serbian supporters having developed a negative reputation in recent years. Earlier this month, during England's World Cup qualifier in Belgrade, riot police were forced to respond to a crowd incident.

England beat Serbia in a crucial World Cup qualifier. Image: Michael Regan / Staff via Getty

The Serbian supporters were reportedly arguing among themselves in a political debate. They had to play the match under a partial stadium closure following racist behaviour from their fans during a World Cup qualifier against Andorra in June.

Over the past five years, the Serbian FA have been fined more than €700,000 (£607,700).

This included a €14,500 (£12,250) fine during EURO 2024, when objects were thrown and a provocative banner was displayed during their game with England.

October's clash with Andorra is expected to be decisive in determining who finishes second in Group K.

England have a perfect record from their first five games and are almost certain to secure the automatic qualification spot. But with second-place team advancing to a play-off, there will be plenty at stake in October's match.

UEFA will hope the change of venue helps prevent crowd trouble