FLASH
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As UEFA's decision is awaited after numerous incidents during the 2026 World Cup qualifier between Serbia and England, conspiracy theories have begun to circulate rapidly in Belgrade. True or fabricated, these accusations are igniting fierce political debates, with opposition media sparing no stone unturned in targeting those close to President Aleksandar Vučić.
According to an exclusive report broadcast by regional television N1, which was also supported by sports media outlet Sport Klub, an anonymous fan came to N1's newsroom claiming to have overheard a suspicious conversation. According to him, around 1,000 pro-government fans were expected to be present at Belgrade's Rajko Mitic Stadium, where Serbia was beaten 5-0 by England on September 9. Their mission? To intervene immediately if anti-government protests, known in Serbia as "pumpanje," began.
Alleged goal: To create artificial unrest, leading to a UEFA penalty, causing the upcoming match against Albania to be played without fans. The match against England was a real chaos in the stands. A large part of the public started chanting anti-government slogans, which led to the intervention of some hooligans, whom the Serbian opposition calls "batinashe" (a term for forces paid by the regime). Serbian police barely intervened, letting the situation escalate into physical clashes, where there were even reports of children being pulled from the crowd by law enforcement. The match was interrupted several times: once because of a laser aimed at England player Ezri Konsa, other times because of nationalist chants, banned symbols and political tensions.
At least 15% of the stadium was closed to Serbian fans as punishment for racist incidents in a previous match against Andorra. Immediately after the heavy defeat to England, where England scored goals from Harry Kane, Noni Madueke, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi and Marcus Rashford. F
The Serbian Football Federation (FSS), led by legend Dragan Dzajic, officially requested that the next match against Albania, scheduled for October 11 in Belgrade, be moved to the small stadium in Leskovac. The recently renovated stadium has limited capacity and has previously been used for matches against Switzerland, Denmark and Andorra.
The request comes at a time of high tension, as the Serbia-Albania match is historically fraught with rivalry and incidents, as happened in 2014 when a drone with an Albanian flag led to the cancellation of the match.
President Vučić does not hide his anger. A few months ago, he harshly criticized the Federation when the latter asked UEFA to have the matches with England and Albania fought at Belgrade's "Rajko Mitic". Vučić accused the FSS of "giving in" to English pressure and not wanting the matches in the capital due to the large anti-government protests that have been going on for months.
It is now almost certain that the October 11 match against the Rossoneri will take place in Leskovac, while the football world anxiously awaits UEFA's decision on possible sanctions. If a plan for orchestrated riots is confirmed, this would be a serious blow to Serbia's image, especially in a political battle where sport is not spared.
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