FIFA punished HNS for promoting an unauthorized beverage producer and sent a sharp warning to Croatia goalkeeper Danijel Subašić for displaying “private messages”.
On Thursday evening, FIFA announced that HNS was fined 70,000 Swiss francs (over 60,000 euro) because of a ‘marketing incident’ during the match against Denmark, reports Goal.hr on July 6, 2018.
As reported by the AP, the disciplinary commission punished the Croatian Football Federation for displaying drinks from an unauthorized producer, as Fifa has given exclusive rights to only one company. FIFA’s long-standing partner Coca-Cola has exclusive rights to supply the World Cup stadiums and only its products can be seen at matches.
Fifa also announced that they sent a warning to Croatia’s goalkeeper Danijel Subašić who, in the same game, saved three of Denmark’s penalties. After defending the last shot, Subašić removed the upper part of his goalkeeper jersey, under which was a T-shirt with the figure of Hrvoje Ćustić. If you recall, Subašić has honored the footballer and dear friend since his death in 2008. Subašić also made headlines earlier this week for becoming emotional when asked about Ćustić at a press conference with teammate Domagoj Vida.
Fifa states that wearing the T-shirt violated the rule that no personal messages may be displayed on the player’s equipment.
But whatever the punishment, it certainly will not prevent Subašić, the Croatian hero, from wearing a photo of his late friend.
“Until the end of my career, I will carry him and dedicate all of my success to him,” Subašić promised ten years ago after Ćustić passed away.
Hrvoje Ćustić was a Croatian footballer and NK Zadar midfielder who passed away in 2008 at the age of 24. During a home match against HNK Cibalia, Ćustić collided with a concrete wall situated 3 meters from the sideline. He suffered severe head injuries and was immediately taken to the hospital for surgery the following night. Ćustić was in an induced coma and stable, though an infection caused his body temperature to rise and significantly worsen his condition. Ćustić was pronounced brain dead on April 3, 2008.
