UEFA imposes ghost‑match penalty on Serbia – Klopp stays fan‑less

In the Red Star Belgrade stadium, the German national team faces an unusual situation on November 13: No fans are allowed onto the pitch after UEFA sanctioned the country for misconduct by its supporters.

Penalty and financial consequences

UEFA has punished Serbia for racist and discriminatory behaviour by its fans in the matches against Greece (1-2) and the Netherlands (1-2). In addition to the complete ban on spectators, a fine of €50,000 is due.

The Serbian football association plans to soften the ruling by allowing children and 2,000 German fans access to the stadium. According to UEFA, however, there are still no concrete plans for this mini‑setting.

Impact on the German team

The German XI, which won the first leg on October 1 in Munich 2-0, can no longer rely on the usual heated atmosphere in Belgrade. The Serbian association had already prohibited the sale of tickets to its own fans at that time.

UEFA imposes fan ban for Nations League match in Belgrade

For further violations, Serbia must pay almost €80,000, and a fan ban for away matches has been suspended for two years on probation.

With five points, Germany sits behind the Netherlands and Greece, each with eight points, placing them in third place. Only the two group leaders qualify for the knockout round in March 2027.

Klopp's Germany must play Nations League in Belgrade without fans in November

A win in the upcoming Nations League match is essential to avoid jeopardising the chances of reaching the quarter‑finals. If Germany remains in third place, relegation to the Nations League B‑League looms.