UEFA Nations League: Croatia v England Behind Closed Doors

(Photo: HNS)

Bad news for fans with news from UEFA that Croatia will have to host their UEFA Nations League clash with England behind closed doors.

UEFA announced that Croatia is still to serve a 1 match home fan ban of a 2-match ban it imposed after a swastika was marked on the pitch at Poljud stadium before a Euro 2016 qualifier against Italy.

Croatia served the first game of the ban against Bulgaria in October 2015 but they have not played any Uefa-sanctioned home games since then.

“Uefa can confirm that the Uefa Nations League group stage match between Croatia and England scheduled for 12 October 2018 will be played behind closed doors,” said European football’s governing body.

“This relates back to a decision taken by the Uefa control, ethics and disciplinary body on 23 July 2015 which ordered the Croatian Football Federation (HNS) to play its next two home matches in Uefa competition without supporters in the stadium.”

No fans will be allowed at the England match (HNS)

Croatia has been drawn in the League A group with Spain and England in the inaugural UEFA Nations League which was introduced to replace international friendlies.

Teams in League A have been split into four groups of three, with the group winners contesting the UEFA Nations League Finals (semi-finals, third-place match and final) in June 2019 to become the UEFA Nations League winners.

UEFA Nations League – Croatia’s schedule (home team first)
11 September: Spain – Croatia (20:45)
12 October: Croatia – England (20:45)
15 November: Croatia – Spain (20:45)
18 November: England – Croatia (15:00)