FIFA is forcing Hungary and Bulgaria to play their World Cup qualifying matches behind closed doors. FIFA explained their decision is due to racist behavior displayed by Hungarian and Bulgarian fans during previous matches. Hungary played a friendly match with Israel on Aug. 15, during which Hungarian fans started to sing anti-Semitic chants and displayed other offensive symbols. The national football associations were fined CHF 40,000 because of the incident. The Hungarian Football Association (MLSZ) is set to appeal the decision.
Anti-Semitic outbursts are not limited to football hooligans, however, spilling over into national politics. In a parliament session last November, a deputy for the far-right party called Jobbik said it was time to analyze “how many people of Jewish origin there are here, and especially in the Hungarian Parliament and the Hungarian government, who represent a certain national security risk for Hungary.”
