Decision Day in Croatian Sports: Primorac or Varvodić, New HOO Chief to be Elected Today

A pivotal day has arrived for Croatian sports as the Croatian Olympic Committee (HOO) prepares to elect its new president. The decision rests between two prominent medical professionals: Dragan Primorac, a geneticist, and Josip Varvodić, a cardiac surgeon.

The election, set to take place at the Hotel Sheraton in Zagreb, is the culmination of intensive campaigns. The article likens the situation to a dramatic finale, contrasting the potential outcomes with lyrics from a song by the late Croatian musician Oliver Dragojević. One candidate might "follow his star," while the defeated one might sing, "Let others rejoice."

Special attention is given to Mladen Mikolčević, a delegate from the Croatian Boxing Federation, who is referred to by the nickname "Padobranac" (Parachutist). He is noted as the only individual, besides security and essential HOO staff, permitted to attend the Assembly. Mikolčević, a war hero from the Croatian War of Independence, is described as someone whom candidates did not dare to pressure, suggesting his vote is firmly decided and he is not easily impressed or intimidated.

The article suggests that while some assembly members openly support Varvodić, with several national and county sports federations publicly endorsing him, Primorac's supporters are more discreet. These supporters may have deeper reasons for not revealing their allegiance publicly, intending to cast their votes privately. The atmosphere is described as potentially tense, with the possibility of lobbying and last-minute persuasion attempts in the hotel lobby.

There is an expressed hope that the election will proceed without incidents, as any disruption could further damage the reputation of the institution, which is noted to have been intact under the previous leadership of Zlatko Mateša. The article also touches upon the legal requirement for the vote to be secret, warning that any attempt to insist on a public vote could indicate a candidate's reliance on promised votes and a desire to maintain control.