Croatia defender Joe Simunic is set to be punished by FIFA for leading a pro-Nazi chant with fans after his team qualified this week for the World Cup.
FIFA says in a statement on Friday that "disciplinary proceedings have been opened concerning the case" involving Simunic.
Croatia's public prosecutors have already fined Simunic the equivalent of 3,200 euros for "spreading racial hatred" after he took up a microphone following Tuesday's playoff match against Iceland and shouted to supporters: "For the homeland!" The fans responded: "Ready!"
The call was used by the Croatian pro-Nazi puppet regime that ruled the state during World War II.
Simunic has defended his action, saying he was driven by love for his country.
