FIFA

Swiss footballers Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri were fined 10,000 Swiss francs [8,600 euros] by FIFA on Monday for celebrating their goals against Serbia in the World Cup with a double-headed eagle gesture symbolising the Albanian flag, The Associated Press reported on Monday.

Although the problem of football hooliganism is present in Serbia, and as things stand, there still is no way to put an end to it, the public at home is being served the news about "a clash between Serbs and Croats" in Russia as almost "a victory in battle and the taking of war loot."

This happened at the "mini-summit" in Brussels on Sunday, which brought together 16 EU members trying to find "a European solution" to the migrant problem.

An AP report cited by Beta also said that according to UN data, around 40,000 people arrived in Europe by sea so far this year - 16,000 in Italy, 12,000 in Greece and 12,000 in Spain.

A press release said that Federica Mogherini "hosted a high level meeting of the EU facilitated dialogue with the president of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic and the president of Kosovo, Hashim Thaci."

Lichtsteiner joined teammates Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri, of ethnic Albanian origin, who celebrated during Switzerland's game against Serbia on Friday by making a hand gesture meant to represent the double-headed eagle found on Albania's flag.

 Supporters of Croatia celebrate as they watch the broadcast of the FIFA World Cup 2018 group D preliminary round soccer match between Argentina and Croatia in central Zagreb. Photo: EPA-EFE/DANIEL KASAP Supporters of Croatia celebrate as they watch the broadcast of the FIFA World Cup 2018 group D preliminary round soccer match between Argentina and Croatia in central Zagreb.

The governing body for Swiss football has dismissed as baseless reports in the Serbian media that Russia had urged the Swiss Football Federation to ban "Greater Albania" or Kosovo flags and symbols during Friday's match between Switzerland and Serbia in Kaliningrad.

Football's global governing body fined Serbia's Football Federation around 8,500 euros because Serbian fans behaved offensively during Sunday's match with Costa Rica, which Serbia won 1-0.

FIFA announced its decision on Wednesday evening. Serbia's Football Federation did not comment on the penalty by the time of publication.

The only goal of the match was scored in the second half by Serbia Captain Aleksandar Kolarov. The Roma defender executed a perfect free kick from 25 meters, past a helpless Costa Rica and Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas.

Later on Sunday in Serbia's Group E, Brazil will face Switzerland. Serbia's next game is against Switzerland on June 22.

The 2018 Fifa World Cup gets under way on Thursday, when hosts Russia face Saudi Arabia following an opening ceremony at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium.

Football's showpiece event features 32 teams, including holders Germany, competing in 64 games over 32 days.

The 21st edition will be played in 12 stadiums, across 11 cities, spread over 1,800 miles.