Dalić’s associate Ognjen Vukojević has been sacked from the Croatian delegation.
Another incident has shaken up the Croatian delegation in Russia, and though it’s not as big as when Zlatko Dalić released Nikola Kalinić, it still could disrupt the idyll of the team. Precisely, Ognjen Vukojević, who was one of the Dalić’s associates, was asked to leave the Croatian delegation on Monday, reports Gol.hr on July 9, 2018.
If you recall, Vukojević and Vida were the stars of a video released after Croatia’s win over Russia where they are heard saying “Glory to Ukraine” and “This is a victory for Dynamo and Ukraine.”
The video received a brutal response from the Russian public, who, at least until yesterday, was very fond of the Croatian national team. In the meantime, Domagoj Vida apologized, and FIFA decided against suspending the player. Instead, they issued Vida a warning.
However, someone had to pay, and the Croatian Football Federation decided to relieve former national team player Ognjen Vukojević who assisted Dalić in scouting.
The Croatian Football Federation announced:
“The Croatian Football Federation hereby informs the public that by the decision of the leadership of the Federation, Ognjen Vukojević has been relieved of his duties as a team member and will no longer be a member of the delegation at the World Cup in Russia.
After the World Cup quarterfinal match between Croatia and Russia, Vukojević published a controversial video on social networks, for which FIFA opened disciplinary action.
The Croatian Football Federation has decided to relieve Vukojević from his functions on the Croatian national team where he performed the role of a scout, and his team accreditation for the World Cup has been withdrawn.
The Croatian Football Federation apologizes to the Russian public for the actions of their national team staff member.
Ognjen Vukojević and Domagoj Vida also apologize for statements that, in their intent, did not have political connotations, but left room for such interpretations.”
