politically-charged video to social media following the penalty shootout
win, meaning he will not be in the dugout for Wednesday’s semi-final
clash with England.
Vukojevic, a former Croatia international, published a video in which
he and defender Domagoj Vida dedicated the dramatic win to Ukraine,
prompting criticism from Russian supporters.
The clip showed Vida, who scored in extra time at the Fisht Stadium,
roaring “Glory to Ukraine!” while Vukojevic announced that “This victory
is for Dynamo [Kiev] and Ukraine.”
“The Croatian Football Federation hereby notifies the public that
Ognjen Vukojevic has been relieved of his duties as an associate of the
coaching staff of the Croatian national team by decision of the
management of the Croatian FA, and that he will no longer be a member of
the Croatian delegation at the Fifa World Cup in Russia,” a statement
read.
“The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) has decided to revoke
Vukojevic’s team accreditation at the Fifa World Cup and to relieve him
of his duties as an observer for the Croatian national team.
“HNS hereby apologizes to the Russian public for the actions of a
member of the Croatian delegation. Ognjen Vukojevic and Domagoj Vida
likewise apologize for their statements, which were in no way intended
to have political connotations, yet which unfortunately left room for
such interpretations.”
Fifa issued a formal warning to Vukojevic regarding his behaviour and
the former midfielder reacted to his dismissal by telling Russian
newspaper Sport Express: “There’s no politics in football. It’s a joke
for my friends from Dynamo Kiev. I love Russians and I love Ukrainians.”
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