CSKA Sofia Fined for Nazi Salute and Antisemitic Acts Ahead of Potential Maccabi Tel Aviv Clash

Bulgarian club CSKA Sofia has been fined 50,000 euros and banned from selling tickets for an upcoming away European match following violent incidents involving its fans. The disturbances occurred during CSKA Sofia's 2-1 victory over Northern Ireland's Derry City last Thursday, which was halted for about 15 minutes due to fan violence. Videos showed a CSKA supporter performing a Nazi salute after Derry City fans displayed an Antifa flag. The clashes included throwing objects, attempts to breach security barriers, and forced some home fans, including children, to seek safety on the pitch.

UEFA imposed the ticket ban for CSKA Sofia's next away game, scheduled for Thursday against Qarabag in Azerbaijan. An additional suspended one-match ticket ban was handed down for racist behavior related to the Nazi salute, subject to a two-year probation. UEFA also fined a senior CSKA official 5,000 euros for breaching basic conduct rules and ordered the club to compensate Derry City for stadium damages. Derry City was fined 20,000 euros for fan misconduct, including a pitch invasion.

If Maccabi Tel Aviv advances past Sheriff Tiraspol to the third qualifying round of the Europa League, they could face CSKA Sofia, should the Bulgarian side eliminate Qarabag. The sanctions highlight ongoing concerns over fan violence and racism in European football matches involving Israeli teams and their potential opponents.