Disaster in Serbian football after shameful defeat: Will half the team leave?

The Serbian national football team is facing a crisis following a shocking 3-0 friendly defeat to Cape Verde, a nation with a significantly smaller population. This loss comes after failing to qualify for the World Cup, adding to the team's recent struggles.

The defeat was compounded by the absence of several star players, including Sergej and Vanja Milinković-Savić, Dušan Vlahović, Luka Jović, and Aleksandar Mitrović. These prominent footballers reportedly refused to answer coach Veljko Paunović's call-up because they had not received bonuses for securing their place in the elite division of the Nations League. Their boycott has drawn sharp criticism from the media and the public.

Stanislav Karasi, a legend of Red Star Belgrade and president of the Football Association of Serbia's expert committee, has suggested a radical solution: permanently barring the boycotting players from representing Serbia. Karasi described their actions as "shameful" and damaging to the national team, emphasizing that players must honor call-ups, even for friendly matches, and give their utmost effort.

Karasi believes that while Paunović is a capable coach, he faces a difficult task. He urged the coach to draw a line and select players who are genuinely committed to representing Serbia, even if it means fielding a less experienced squad. The situation highlights a significant rift between the players and the football federation, raising questions about team morale and commitment.

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Their move is shameful, they have caused great damage to the national team, and the coach should no longer call them up to the national team. One cannot pick and choose matches. The national team is sacred and must be respected even when playing friendly matches. Whoever is called must soak the jersey with sweat.