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Grabar-Kitarović on HOO Presidency: 'No Chance'
🇭🇷 Croatia /Elections & Politics

Grabar-Kitarović on HOO Presidency: 'No Chance'

From Večernji List · () Croatian

Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, a member of the International Olympic Committee, commented on the resignation of Croatian Olympic Committee (HOO) president Zlatko Mateša.
  • Grabar-Kitarović expressed disbelief regarding alleged financial malversations but stated she respects Mateša.
  • She firmly denied any intention to run for the HOO presidency, citing a lack of time and current commitments.

Former Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović has weighed in on the recent resignation of Zlatko Mateša, the long-standing president of the Croatian Olympic Committee (HOO). Speaking to RTL Danas, Grabar-Kitarović, who is also a member of the International Olympic Committee, expressed her respect for Mateša as a person while also conveying surprise at the allegations of significant financial misappropriation that reportedly led to his departure.

"Regarding these malversations, I truly do not know. I must say that I cannot believe that so much money, allegedly, has been embezzled," Grabar-Kitarović stated, reflecting a sentiment of disbelief that such a situation could unfold within the HOO. Her comments highlight the gravity of the accusations and the shock they have caused within the Croatian sports community.

Regarding these malversations, I truly do not know. I must say that I cannot believe that so much money, allegedly, has been embezzled.

— Kolinda Grabar-KitarovićCommenting on the alleged financial issues surrounding Zlatko Mateša's resignation from the Croatian Olympic Committee.

Crucially, Grabar-Kitarović used the opportunity to decisively shut down any speculation about her own ambitions for the HOO presidency. "It doesn't cross my mind because I don't have time, I haven't had time to even attend council sessions and dedicate myself to all the issues. So, no chance," she firmly declared. This statement aims to quell rumors and clarify her position, emphasizing her current focus on her international commitments.

Mateša's resignation, framed as an act of moral responsibility, leaves a significant vacancy at the helm of Croatian sports. Grabar-Kitarović's remarks, while acknowledging the personal respect she holds for Mateša, also underscore the need for transparency and accountability within the HOO. As Croatia looks to its future leadership in sports, her comments provide a glimpse into the internal dynamics and the public's perception of the situation.

It doesn't cross my mind because I don't have time, I haven't had time to even attend council sessions and dedicate myself to all the issues. So, no chance.

— Kolinda Grabar-KitarovićDenying any intention to run for the presidency of the Croatian Olympic Committee.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Večernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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