NYON, Switzerland: Croatia’s football federation was punished by UEFA on Friday for “racist and discriminatory behavior” by fans at the team’s last game before traveling to the World Cup.
UEFA did not specify the incidents at Croatia’s 3-1 win at Austria in the Nations League in September, which were reported to be insults directed by fans at the federation and far-right chants.
UEFA ordered a section of the stadium to be closed when Croatia host Wales in March to open their 2024 European Championship qualifying group. The Croatian football body was fined 20,000 euros ($19,900) for the discrimination and 23,000 euros ($22,900) for other incidents in Vienna.
Long-time tensions between Croatia fans and national football officials led to a game being stopped at Euro 2016 because of disorder in the stands.
Croatia prepare for the World Cup playing Saudi Arabia in Riyadh on Nov. 16, one week before their opening game in Qatar.
The 2018 World Cup runner-up are in a group with Belgium, Canada and Morocco.
Croatia football body fined by UEFA for racist fan incidents
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Croatia football body fined by UEFA for racist fan incidents
- UEFA did not specify the incidents at Croatia’s 3-1 win at Austria in the Nations League
- UEFA ordered a section of the stadium to be closed when Croatia host Wales in March
Golf Saudi ambassador Charley Hull seals thrilling victory to clinch PIF Saudi Ladies International
- World No. 5’s 60-foot eagle proves decisive in dramatic final round surge
RIYADH: Charley Hull carded a seven-under 65 in the final round of the $5 million PIF Saudi Ladies International to be crowned the champion of the Ladies European Tour season opener.
Hull proved her affection for Riyadh Golf Club once again — she previously won here in 2024 and three further top 10s in the Saudi capital — scrambling through a packed field, posting seven birdies and an eagle on the par five 12th courtesy of a 60-foot putt.
The 29-year-old, who now has five LET wins to her name, had a nervy wait after holing a birdie putt on her 72nd hole of the week to post the clubhouse lead in the first PIF Global Series event of the year.
Clutching the trophy, Hull said: “I feel great, and I love this golf course, and I like how it’s really matured over the years. It’s getting trickier each year. The grass is getting thicker, and I just really like it. It was a good challenge.
“I’ve worked really hard this off-season, so it’s nice to see results straight away. It’s one of the bigger events on the LET, and it feels like a home event for me because I’m a Golf Saudi ambassador. So, it’s really special to win for my sponsors.”
South Africa’s Casandra Alexander made her own back-nine charge for the title, birdieing four out of a five-hole stretch between 11-15. A bogey on the par three 17th left the 26-year-old, who contested a Sunshine Tour playoff just last week, needing a birdie to force another one, but the crucial putt missed its mark, finishing runner-up for the second week in a row alongside Japan’s Akie Iwai.
Spain’s Carlota Ciganda made a consistent start to the season with an opening round of 67, followed by three 68s to tie for fourth with third-round co-leader Hye-Jin Choi from Korea.
England’s prodigious Mimi Rhodes, who led the field after the first two rounds but lost ground with a score of level par on Friday, rallied with a convincing five-under par 67 to finish joint sixth.
The PIF Global Series heads to Las Vegas for its second stop, making a historic West Coast debut. This event signals the first time both the PIF Global Series and the Aramco Championship will be hosted in the region, bringing elite-level competition to one of the world’s premier sports and entertainment destinations. Scheduled from April 2–5, the tournament will see players competing for a prestigious $4 million prize fund.
