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UEFA Fines Russia, Threatens Qualifiers


Russian supporters celebrate after beating Czech Republic 4-1 during their Group A Euro 2012 match in Wroclaw on June 8.
Russian supporters celebrate after beating Czech Republic 4-1 during their Group A Euro 2012 match in Wroclaw on June 8.
European soccer's governing body has fined Russia's soccer federation 120,000 euros ($150,000) after fan disturbances at the team's opening Euro 2012 game against the Czech Republic on June 8.

The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) also warned that Russia will be penalized six points in its next qualifying campaign if supporters misbehave again.

The charges included fans setting off and throwing fireworks and the display of illicit banners at the match in Wroclaw, which Russia won 4-1.

UEFA also separately condemned the Russian-Polish fan clashes in Warsaw on June 12, the worst violence of the tournament.

In a telephone conversation on June 13, Russian President Vladimir Putin told Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk that Euro 2012 organizers were responsible for foreign fans' safety.

Based on reporting by Reuters and AFP

RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government.

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