Srebrenica Memorial Centre files UEFA complaint over Serbian Football Association's handling of genocide glorification

Following an initial appeal on 7 September urging the FSS to initiate disciplinary proceedings over the glorification of a person convicted of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes, the FSS published its decision. However, the ruling only sanctioned FC Crvena Zvezda for organizational failures, inadequate spectator searches, a delayed kickoff, and pyrotechnics usage. The Memorial Center noted that the published decision showed no indication that the display of Mladic’s image and the discriminatory message were treated as a separate disciplinary offense.

Consequently, the Memorial Center requested UEFA to investigate whether the FSS failed to address a serious case of discriminatory behavior, thereby breaching its obligations as a UEFA member. The complaint highlights European football anti-discrimination standards and the Fare Network guide, which emphasizes assessing context, symbols, and the glorification of convicted perpetrators.

The Memorial Center urged UEFA to obtain the complete case file from the FSS, determine whether the original complaint was evaluated, and review potential liabilities for the association, the club, and responsible individuals. It stressed that penalties for pyrotechnics cannot substitute proceedings concerning genocide glorification, expecting UEFA to clarify why the incident received no explicit disciplinary response.