Hungarian Football Federation: Banners depicting Greater Hungary not racist manifestations + Romania’s answer – UPDATE: UEFA

The Hungarian Football Federation (Magyar Labdarúgó Szövetség, MLSZ) has allowed the introduction of banners depicting the historical map of Hungary (Greater Hungary) at national team matches under strict conditions.

According to a report on the MLSZ website published on Tuesday, it has requested a clear position from the European association (UEFA) and its anti-discrimination group (FARE) on the issue of allowing the display of the historical symbol, HellóMagyar writes.

Greater Hungary flag and Árpád stripes are not considered racist

“The two organisations, accepting the arguments of the MLSZ, acknowledged that the historical map of Hungary and the colours of the Árpád stripes do not constitute racist behaviour. However, this does not apply to the other symbols and inscriptions on the drapery, nor to the fan slogans,” the statement reads.

The MLSZ informed that the two organisations will continue to fight against exclusion, including racism. It will therefore continue to punish banners with such a message. At the same time, it considers it a significant step forward that a banner containing only a map of historical Hungary and the Hungarian national colours is not a disciplinary offence in itself.

• Read also: Wizz Air announced two new special routes from Budapest

Four conditions must be met

“As a result of the negotiations, the federation will allow the introduction of the drapery into the stadium, which symbolises respect for historic Hungary and solidarity with fans from abroad,” the resolution said, revealing that four conditions must be met. The conditions are the following:

• can only show a map of historical Hungary;
• only red, white and green colours are allowed;
• the banner must be presented in the usual way to check its contents and to check for flame retardancy;
• the banner in the stadium must not restrict fans from watching the match without disturbance.

However, supporters should be aware that if any racist or political message is displayed on the drapes, or if any racist or political message is attached to the drapes, this will result in disciplinary action. In doing so, the fans are harming themselves, their fellow supporters, the team and the image of Hungarian football.

The Romanian answer

Accoring to Telex.hu, the Romanian Football Federation (RFR) reacted to the statement of the MLSZ by saying that it “misinterpreted the UEFA and FARE position”.

“UEFA has not allowed and will not allow the display of the symbols mentioned by the Hungarian Football Federation in matches played at the European level,” the FRF wrote on its website. According to them, the MLSZ was at fault when interpreting the UEFA’s decision.

The Romanian Football Federation underscores that revisionism is unaccepted in football. It trusts that UEFA will continue to sanction the display of such symbols in stadiums, which can incite hatred and violence in matches at the European level, Telex.hu writes.

UPDATE – UEFA’s reaction

UEFA has denied that it has allowed the use of banners depicting historical Hungary at matches of the Hungarian national football team. It has even imposed sanctions for the display of such props, TransTelex reports. In response to requests from Romanian newspapers, the organisation’s press department sent a clarification of its position to several newspapers.

In its reply, the UEFA states that it is aware of press reports that it has approved the use of flags and banners depicting historical Hungary in UEFA matches. However, this is not the case.

The UEFA has not authorised the use of such flags or banners at any level, and the presence of such flags and banners may therefore lead to disciplinary consequences.

Read alsoRental market: wage increase in Hungary drives up prices

Source: HellóMagyar, mlsz.hu, telex.hu, frf.ro