Greater Hungary flags allowed in Hungarian stadiums!
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The MLSZ allows the use of symbols without racist or political content, and international organisations continue to ban with racist or political messages. As promised by its president Sándor Csányi, MLSZ asked international organisations relevant to the case to clarify the question.
Evaluating the written position of UEFA and FARE and considering the situation, MLSZ made the decision that the outline map of historical Hungary without clear or hidden texts and symbols would not be the subject of disciplinary proceedings, and therefore it will permit the introduction of such flags and banners in accordance with the conditions of the association.
On 20th March, MLSZ provided detailed and accurate information on the above, but unfortunately the situation was misunderstood and misinterpreted in some cases. Due to the uncertainties and misunderstandings which have appeared in the media, we consider it important to repeat, confirm and supplement our previous announcement with a brief explanation. In the matter of allowing the display of the larger historical outline of the country, MLSZ requested a clear position from UEFA and FARE.
We repeat that this was MLSZ’s decision, i.e. we did not claim and do not claim now that UEFA allowed or specifically prohibited the introduction of the drapery. We declared and still declare that both organisations (and MLSZ) continue to condemn all forms of discrimination and will fight against racist, exclusionary or political messages.
At the same time, the MLSZ considers, in the light of the written declarations of the two organisations, that the federation’s position was neither disputed nor refuted by the organisations, therefore the federation will allow the display of drapery in the stadium for the two matches in accordance with the conditions stipulated, with the conviction that there would be no interpretation of clear or hidden messages which could result in accusations of any offence, and that there will be no justifiable disciplinary procedure regarding the display of draperies which only depict the map. We believe that the above is clear, well-founded and follows the rules, and that FARE, UEFA and MLSZ approached the issue with due care.
To our knowledge, only the Romanian Football Federation (FRF) interpreted the facts from its own point of view unilaterally and presumably with limited information, and attacked the decision of the MLSZ unjustifiably. For its part, the MLSZ considers its cooperation with the Romanian association to be appropriate, and we will continue to strive to maintain good relations in the future, but it is clear that its intervention in the matter is unauthorised and unfounded. This is why we have informed our partner organisation in a letter that in this case it is not within the competence of the Romanian association to assess and communicate the decision made by the MLSZ.