Football Union Head Calls Serbian FA a 'Criminal Organization'

Mirko Poledica, president of the Football Players' Union and former member of the Football Association of Serbia (FSS) Assembly, has strongly criticized the FSS, labeling it a "criminal organization" under government control. Poledica stated that no support should be expected for Nemanja Vidić from the FSS following KRIK's revelations about alleged threats against the former national team captain.

Poledica expressed his dismay at the situation, noting that the lack of institutional reaction highlights the dire state of both Serbian football and the country. He shared a conversation with an official from an international organization who was surprised that a football association president would publicly target a former captain, indicating how far removed the situation is from international norms. "This society has gone in a direction from which there is no return," Poledica remarked.

He further elaborated on the FSS's management over the past decade, suggesting that under figures like Slaviša Kokeza and with alleged influence from Aleksandar Vučić, the association has been effectively controlled by the system. "What can we expect then?" Poledica questioned, implying that such a structure prevents any genuine reform or accountability.

"You cannot expect anything from the FSS – it is a criminal organization that is under the full control of this government," Poledica asserted. He believes that all appointments within the FSS are made by the system, not through merit or fair selection. This, he argues, explains why football is no longer the number one sport in Serbia and suggests that in a normal country, such an organization would be shut down.

Poledica condemned the targeting of Vidić, who he said had raised legitimate concerns about football's functioning. Instead of being heard, Vidić and his family's safety were allegedly threatened. Poledica stressed that such actions must not be forgotten and that accountability is necessary, even if he does not expect any reaction from the state under the current circumstances.