FIFA act over Simunic's 'pro-Nazi' chants

In the wake of Croatia's 2-0 win over Iceland in a playoff match Tuesday to seal their passage to Brazil, Simunic grabbed a microphone and addressed the crowd at the Maksimir stadium in Zagreb.

He said loudly "za dom" -- translated from Croatian as "for the homeland" -- four times, gaining an immediate response from fans, who chanted "spremni", meaning "ready".

The chants have been associated with the feared pro-Nazi Utashas regime, which controlled Croatia during World War II.

According to reports in Croatia, the 35-year-old Simunic has been fined 25,000 kunas ($4,400) by prosecutors in Zagreb for inciting racial unrest.

World governing body FIFA has also felt compelled to act.

"We can confirm that disciplinary proceedings have been opened concerning the case," it said in a statement.

Read: Final European spots for World Cup finals filled

Dinamo Zagreb captain Simunic has denied any political intent behind his impromptu celebration.

"The thought that anyone could associate me with any form of hatred or violence terrifies me," he said in a statement on Dinamo's official website.

Source http://edition.cnn.com/2013/11/22/sport/football/football-simunic-croatia-nazi-chants/index.html?c=europe

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