Croatia's Football Federation (HNS) said Thursday it would appeal UEFA's ruling that they play their next Euro qualifier against Italy behind closed doors due to racism and other incidents in their last match against Norway.

"I regret it, it was a shock for all of us," HNS president Davor Suker said in reference to UEFA's decision regarding the June 12 match, due to be played in the coastal town of Split.

Suker added that he thought the chance os a successful appeal were "very slim".

"We know what would be the next punishment -- revoking of points and being kicked out from competition," warned Suker, who spoke after a meeting of the HNS executive committee.

"It is not about paying of fines, but about Croatia's image."

Playing behind closed doors would be a big financial loss for the Adriatic country's "tourism, for the city of Split, for (Croatian) football", he said.

European football's ruling body announced on Wednesday that apart from playing against Italy behind closed doors Croatia was also fined 50,000 euros ($54,000) for the "racist behaviour" of their fans and setting off fireworks and throwing missiles during the European qualifier against Norway.

Croatia won last month's match in Zagreb 5-1.

On Thursday, Suker said the federation knew the identites of those responsible for the incidents.

After five games, Niko Kovac's squad are currently top of Group H with 13 points, two ahead of Italy, with Norway in third a further two points adrift.

Croatia's fans have a reputation for troublesome behaviour due to which the HNS was repeatedly punished in the past. The body had urged to government to act and put an end to hooliganism.