File picture Croatia's defender Josip Simunic (Photo: AP)
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 ($4,300) 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.
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