Story perspectives

England U15 Walks Off After Alleged Racism, FIFA Refers

By Drooid · Oct 26, 2026, 11:03 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

England U15 team walked off the pitch in Azerbaijan after alleging racism from a Republic of Ireland player.
The Republic of Ireland were leading 4-1 when the walk-off occurred.
The referee abandoned the match after England refused to continue.
FIFA said it will refer the incident to an independent disciplinary committee.

History

Historical Context

UEFA’s response to racist incidents has intensified since the early 2000s, exemplified by a €20,000 fine and a closed-door match imposed on Montenegro in 2019 and a £70,000 fine on Croatia in 2015. These penalties, alongside statements from president Aleksander Ceferin, show a shift toward harsher sanctions and broader monitoring to deter abuse.

1 of 2

Story summary

England U15 team walked off the pitch in Azerbaijan after alleging racism from a Republic of Ireland player.
The Republic of Ireland were leading 4-1 when the walk-off occurred.
The referee abandoned the match after England refused to continue.
FIFA said it will refer the incident to an independent disciplinary committee.

1 / 2