No contradiction by using historical symbol

Evaluating the written position of UEFA and FARE and considering the situation, MLSZ made the decision that the outline map of historical Hungary without clear or hidden texts and symbols would not be the subject of disciplinary proceedings, and therefore it will permit the introduction of such flags and banners in accordance with the conditions of the association.

On 20th March, MLSZ provided detailed and accurate information on the above, but unfortunately the situation was misunderstood and misinterpreted in some cases. Due to the uncertainties and misunderstandings which have appeared in the media, we consider it important to repeat, confirm and supplement our previous announcement with a brief explanation. In the matter of allowing the display of the larger historical outline of the country, MLSZ requested a clear position from UEFA and FARE.

We repeat that this was MLSZ's decision, i.e. we did not claim and do not claim now that UEFA allowed or specifically prohibited the introduction of the drapery. We declared and still declare that both organisations (and MLSZ) continue to condemn all forms of discrimination and will fight against racist, exclusionary or political messages.

At the same time, the MLSZ considers, in the light of the written declarations of the two organisations, that the federation's position was neither disputed nor refuted by the organisations, therefore the federation will allow the display of drapery in the stadium for the two matches in accordance with the conditions stipulated, with the conviction that there would be no interpretation of clear or hidden messages which could result in accusations of any offence, and that there will be no justifiable disciplinary procedure regarding the display of draperies which only depict the map. We believe that the above is clear, well-founded and follows the rules, and that FARE, UEFA and MLSZ approached the issue with due care.

To our knowledge, only the Romanian Football Federation (FRF) interpreted the facts from its own point of view unilaterally and presumably with limited information, and attacked the decision of the MLSZ unjustifiably. For its part, the MLSZ considers its cooperation with the Romanian association to be appropriate, and we will continue to strive to maintain good relations in the future, but it is clear that its intervention in the matter is unauthorised and unfounded. This is why we have informed our partner organisation in a letter that in this case it is not within the competence of the Romanian association to assess and communicate the decision made by the MLSZ.

Finally, we reconfirm that MLSZ has evaluated the considered and careful statements of the two international organisations and has made a responsible decision in line with its own authority, with which it wishes to express respect for the unity of the hundreds of thousands of Hungarian fans living in many countries. We will allow draperies that do not contain racist and exclusionary messages into the stadium.

Here is a quote from FARE's letter sent to MLSZ, in which the head of the organisation clearly confirms the Hungarian position, that the historical map of Hungary is not a discriminatory symbol in itself:

The display of the ‘greater Hungary map’ on banners is not in itself seen as an act of discrimination that would be the subject of a Fare report to an international football governing body - UEFA or FIFA.

"However, the display of the flag with other symbols or chants and behaviour, can lead to a report on the banner. This is specifically the case when the other symbols (or chants and behaviour) could reasonably be defined as xenophobic and ultra-nationalist, intended to deny the internationally-recognised territory of the neighbours of Hungary, or the symbols and chants are associated with far-right groups and symbols of hate".

Furthermore, here is a quote from UEFA's General Secretary in his letter addressed to MLSZ on Monday, in which he confirms that the organisation has closed disciplinary proceedings against MLSZ in the case of discrimination without penalty, which was initiated due to the display of a banner with the image on after the Hungary-Italy match, thereby creating a precedent:

"In this respect we note your reference to a recent decision of the UEFA Control Ethics & Disciplinary Body (CEDB) of 2 November 2022 to close proceedings opened against your national association for potential infringement of Article 14 of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations (DR) for the reported display of such banner in a UEFA Nations League match on 26 September 22 between Hungary and Italy".