UEFA Nations League

UEFA Nations League game between Croatia, England to be played behind closed doors

Published: January 30 2018 | 20:20

Last updated: January 30 2018 | 20:32

UEFA confirms that England's opening Nations League game will be played behind closed doors as Croatia complete a stadium ban for having a swastika on their pitch.

UEFA has confirmed that England's first away game in the Nations League against Croatia will be played behind closed doors.

The ban on fans is part of Croatia's punishment after a swastika was marked on their pitch before a Euro 2016 home qualifier against Italy.

UEFA's ruling carries over from the Euro 2016 qualifying phase instead of taking in the World Cup 2018 qualifiers as the latter competition came under FIFA regulations.

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," a statement by European football's governing body read.

"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."

The group draw for the UEFA Nations League took place in Lausanne, Switzerland last week, with Gareth Southgate's men due to face Spain and Croatia in Group A4.