On Saturday, Croatia beat hosts Russia 4-3 on penalties after drawing 2-2 in extra time and advanced to the semi-finals where they are set to face England on Wednesday.

A video appeared on the Internet following the match, where Vida shouts out "Glory to Ukraine", while midfielder Ognjen Vukojevic added "This victory is for Dynamo (Kiev) and for Ukraine." Both players Vida and Vukojevic played for the Ukranian side.

"It was definitely no political message, but a simple thank you for all the support from Ukraine, where Vukojevic and I spent a number of years. Our intention was not to offend anyone... I have many friends in Ukraine, I have a number of them in Russia - and I am proud of all of them. I'm happy to speak Russian and I enjoy Russian hospitality at the World Cup,' Vida said as quoted by the Croatian Football Federation.

On Sunday, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee sent a warning to Domagoj Vida, which means Vida escaped a World Cup semi-final ban.