Football Federation's Stance Unclear in Croatian Olympic Committee Presidential Race

Josip Varvodić has submitted his signatures to run for the presidency of the Croatian Olympic Committee (HOO), ten days after his opponent, Dragan Primorac, did the same. While Primorac announced he had secured 59 signatures, Varvodić did not disclose his count, citing reasons such as protecting his signatories from pressure ahead of the HOO's extraordinary election assembly on July 29, or potentially having fewer signatures than Primorac.

Varvodić emphasized that the number of signatures is less important than how those signatories will vote at the assembly, suggesting that methods of persuasion might be employed to sway supporters. This situation draws parallels to political maneuvering observed in Croatia's Parliament. A significant development that reportedly caused unease for Primorac's campaign was information published on some portals suggesting that the Croatian Football Federation (HNS), the largest and most influential national sports federation, had declared its support for Varvodić.

However, when approached for comment, no one from the HNS officially confirmed or denied this endorsement. This silence is interpreted as a possibility that an individual within the HNS might have prematurely expressed support for Varvodić without official sanction. Given the HNS's prominent status, it is suggested they have no inherent reason to publicly align with any candidate. The voting decision of their delegate, Stipe Pletikosa, is considered a separate matter.

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