WORLD CUP finalists Wales have been slapped with a £12,894 fine by Fifa for letting off flares during June’s play-off final triumph over Ukraine.
It is the second time this year the Dragons have been fined by world football’s disciplinary committee for the use of pyrotechnics.
In March the Football Association of Wales received a £1,637 punishment for the same offence following the semi-final win against Austria.
Gareth Bale’s winner in Cardiff ended a 64-year wait for Wales to qualify for a global finals.
Now FAW chiefs have hit out at their fans because the ‘escalating fines are taking vital funds’ away from improving grassroots facilities in the country.
A FAW statement read: “The Football Association of Wales has received notification of a CHF 15,000 fine from Fifa relating to the inappropriate behaviour of its supporters using pyrotechnics during Cymru’s World Cup Play-Off Final against Ukraine on 5 June.
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“The FAW accepts the decision of the Fifa Disciplinary Committee and once again issues a strong reminder to fans attending matches at all levels of the game that pyrotechnics present dangers to spectators, players and officials.
“This is the second time that Welsh football has been fined for such an offence following the Fifa World Cup Play-Off Semi-Final against Austria in March.
“The FAW warns fans in the strongest possible terms not to bring pyrotechnic devices into the stadium for matches as the escalating fines are taking vital funds that are required to grow the game here in Wales and improve facilities.
“There is no safe use of pyrotechnics in spectator areas at football events with their use having many health risks and dangers such as loss of sight, limb or digit removal due to their explosive power.”
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Wales host Poland in the Nations League in September which will be the final home match before November’s Qatar finals.
And the statement on the FAW’s website also told their fans, known as the Red Wall, to quit the behaviour or risk being arrested or banned.
The statement added: “Being in possession of a pyrotechnic device at a football match or attempting to bring such a device into a football stadium, is a criminal offence under the Sporting Events Act 1985.
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“Any person committing such an offence faces an FA Wales ban, probable arrest and a minimum 3 year Football Banning Order.
“The FAW will continue to work closely with Cardiff City Stadium to prevent the use of pyrotechnics and will report any individuals to the relevant authorities if found in possession or uses such a device.”
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