10 Biggest FIFA World Cup Controversies
6. Swiss Celebrations Against Serbia
Thankfully, the troubles and controversies that surrounded the preparations and hosting of the 2018 Russia World Cup largely vanished once the action kicked off, with the event quickly winning over plenty of the doubters soon enough with its stunning stadiums, welcoming atmosphere and memorable matches.
However, it was not totally exempt from some fiery moments over its duration, and the group stage match between Switzerland and Serbia arguably provided the most controversial of these moments when Swiss players Xherdan Shaqiri and Granit Xhaka brought out their double-eagle celebrations in their 2-1 win.
Both players posses Kosovar Albanian heritage, with the double headed eagle being the symbol of Albanian identity, and their celebrations were seen as a direct provocation towards the history between Albania, Kosovo and Serbia. Both players were booed by Serbian fans following the celebrations and a Fifa inquiry was held afterwards which resulted in fines of 10,000 Swiss Francs being dished out to the players.
Reaction on the world stage was naturally mixed. Both Kosovo's President, Hashim Thaçi, and Albanian Prime Minister, Edi Rama, were vocal in their support of the celebrations, however Serbian newspapers labelled the pair a 'disgrace', whilst some of their fans claimed they should have been subjected to bans from playing.