This archive report was first published on 10 October 2019.
FIFA has imposed a 15,000 Swiss francs fine on the Hong Kong Football Federation for fans' behavior during a World Cup qualifying match against Iran on 10 September.
The fine was handed down by FIFA's Disciplinary Commission, which cited 'disturbance during national anthems' and 'use of objects to transmit a message that is not appropriate for a sports event.'
On 10 September, Hong Kong fans whistled and booed the Chinese national anthem, 'The March of the Volunteers,' before their team lost 2-0 to Iran.
The incident occurred in the midst of ongoing anti-Beijing protests in Hong Kong, which have been marked by demonstrations and clashes between protesters and police.
As an administrative region of China, Hong Kong is required to play the Chinese national anthem before matches, despite fielding an independent team.
Hong Kong is currently third in Group C of the Asia zone and will next face Bahrain at home on 14 November.
