Europe’s Most Troubled Football Fans Revealed by UEFA

October 31, 2025 Rasmus Kristensen

UEFA’s Fair Play Rankings for 2024/25 shed light on the behavior of football fans across Europe. While some nations were praised for their sportsmanship, others earned low marks for disorderly conduct, hostility, and disruptions. Below are the 12 countries that ranked lowest in UEFA’s evaluation of fan behavior.

1. Albania

Albania finished at the very bottom of UEFA’s Fair Play list. While the passion in Albanian stadiums is undeniable, repeated problems with offensive chants and poor crowd control dragged the nation’s score to the lowest in Europe. UEFA has called for stronger measures to improve supporter conduct.

2. Croatia

Croatia’s football tradition is rich, but its fans continue to make headlines for the wrong reasons. UEFA highlighted recurring issues such as pyrotechnics, verbal abuse, and clashes in the stands. These incidents significantly damaged Croatia’s fair play reputation.

3. Serbia

Serbia’s fan culture is among the most intense in Europe, but that energy frequently turns hostile. UEFA reported numerous cases of discriminatory language and crowd unrest. While the atmosphere in Serbian stadiums remains electric, it too often crosses the line of acceptable behavior.

4. Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s football culture is passionate, but fan discipline remains a problem. UEFA cited multiple fines handed to clubs for unsportsmanlike conduct among supporters, especially during local derbies. Authorities are working to address these persistent challenges.

5. Cyprus

Cyprus saw frequent crowd-related incidents in 2024/25, including flares and confrontations with security personnel. Although there have been some improvements, UEFA warned that isolated acts of aggression continue to affect the nation’s fair play score. Stronger enforcement is now a priority.

6. Türkiye

Turkey — Marco Iacobucci Epp / Shutterstock.com

Turkish fans are known for their unmatched passion and noise, yet that enthusiasm sometimes turns chaotic. UEFA pointed to several high-profile matches disrupted by flares, fights, and even pitch invasions. Clubs have been urged to implement stricter fan regulations moving forward.

7. Switzerland

Switzerland’s appearance on this list surprised many, given its reputation for order and restraint. UEFA noted an increase in hooliganism and aggressive behavior among ultras of major clubs. The federation is now pushing for tougher penalties for repeated offenders.

8. Montenegro

Montenegrin supporters are among the most loyal in Europe, but their fervor can easily boil over. UEFA documented multiple cases of offensive chanting and crowd disturbances that lowered the country’s fair play score. Education and preventive measures are being considered.

9. Portugal

Portugal team photo — Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com

Portugal’s football atmosphere is famously vibrant, but the line between passion and provocation is often blurred. UEFA cited excessive use of pyrotechnics and clashes between rival groups. Clubs are being urged to tighten stadium regulations to improve the country’s image.

10. Kosovo

As a young footballing nation, Kosovo is still building its fan culture. However, UEFA observed that tensions in the stands sometimes escalate rapidly. The organization has encouraged local clubs to focus on fan education and better security coordination.

11. Romania

Romania’s supporter issues persist, particularly during heated derby matches. UEFA inspectors reported racist chants, aggressive displays, and repeated interruptions. While authorities are trying to modernize stadium safety, the country’s fan behavior remains a major concern.

12. Italy

Italy’s ranking among the worst fan bases in Europe will raise eyebrows. Despite its deep footballing heritage, UEFA reported ongoing problems with violence, offensive banners, and discriminatory chanting. The Italian federation has promised stricter sanctions to curb the problem.