UEFA has initiated an investigation into Turkey defender Merih Demiral’s actions following allegations of inappropriate behavior during his celebration after scoring a goal at Euro 2024.
Demiral scored both goals in a 2-1 victory over Austria on Tuesday, securing a spot in the quarterfinals.
Following his second goal, Demiral appeared to make a hand gesture associated with the Turkish ultra-nationalist organization Ulku Ocaklari, also known as the Gray Wolves.
UEFA confirmed on Wednesday that it had appointed an inspector to look into the matter, without specifying a timeline for the investigation.
Turkey’s next match is against the Netherlands in Berlin on Saturday.
Demiral had previously been among 16 Turkish players cautioned in 2019 for making military-style salutes during games, coinciding with a Turkish military operation in Syria.
The Gray Wolves group is banned in France, and Austria prohibits the Gray Wolf salute, widely recognized among Turkish nationalists.