Ex-Football Chief Kokeza Allegedly Hired Criminals to Threaten Vidić Amidst Political Fears

Slaviša Kokeza, former president of the Football Association of Serbia (FSS) and a prominent member of the ruling SNS party, allegedly hired criminals to threaten former footballer Nemanja Vidić in 2020. This alleged plot, revealed through "Sky" app messages obtained by KRIK, stemmed from Kokeza's belief that Andrej Vučić, brother of Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, was behind a letter Vidić sent to the media. Vidić had criticized the FSS's failure to qualify for the European Championship.

“

Kokeza does not dare to cross the Drina, and it is obvious that he fears Vučić.

Nebojša Vukanović, a member of the National Assembly of Republika Srpska, stated that Kokeza "dare not cross the Drina" and "clearly fears Vučić." Vukanović also linked Kokeza to "Prointer," a company that received millions in contracts and was placed on a U.S. blacklist, noting Igor Dodik, son of Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik, was associated with the firm in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“

We see how much paranoia there is in the SNS ranks, if Kokeza believed that Andrej Vučić was setting him up through Vidić.

Vladimir Živanović, editor at TV Nova, commented on the "paranoia within the SNS ranks" if Kokeza truly believed Andrej Vučić was orchestrating something through Vidić. Živanović questioned the logic of such a connection, emphasizing that Vidić had no known business ties or links to Andrej Vučić. He also pointed out how individuals with footballing pedigree and integrity, like Vidić, Muslin, and others, become problematic when they speak out.

“

Crime has entered everywhere, including the football association.

Živanović suggested that the prosecution should investigate the extent of Vidić's alleged endangerment and why authorities did not react at the time. He argued that if Vidić was indeed threatened, charges should be filed against Kokeza, regardless of his current whereabouts. The case raises serious questions about the pervasive influence of crime within Serbian football and its connections to political figures.

“

The president of the Football Association should not be a mobster who will seek beatings or liquidations, but should deal with improving football in this country, which has been in a bad state for a long time.