FIFA fines Albanian FA for fans setting off fireworks against Italy

FIFA has fined the Albanian Football Association 100,000 Swiss francs (£78,000) for the misbehaviour of its national team's fans during last month's World Cup qualifier against Italy in Palermo.

The hosts won the Group G game 2-0 but it was held up for eight minutes when Albania supporters threw fireworks, flares and smoke bombs on the pitch. Italian fans also set off flares during the game and the Italian FA has been fined nearly £12,000.

Albania has been fined by FIFA for fan incidents at four of its five World Cup qualifiers.

World football's governing body also fined seven other member associations for various forms of crowd trouble during the most recent round of World Cup qualifiers.

Iran were hit with the second biggest fine of £39,000 for pyrotechnics and over-crowding during the game against China, while Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Poland all got smaller fines for pyrotechnics.

The Chinese federation was also warned because coach Marcello Lippi did not attend the mandatory prematch news conference.

Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico were again fined for the latest round of anti-gay slurs aimed by fans at opposing goalkeepers despite a FIFA campaign to curb the practice in Latin America.

Brazil must pay $35,200, Argentina $20,100 Mexico $10,050. Costa Rica was warned for the same offense. Argentina's association was also warned for using an "armband with symbol" at a 1-0 win over Chile last month.

Panama's federation was fined $8,040 after a home qualifier against the United States for conducting an unauthorized ceremony before kickoff. Panama was also warned for "improper conduct of ball kids."

Follow @Lucifer20991 on Twitter to keep up with the latest football updates.