HNS responds to referee bribery allegations: 'Hypocritical to distance themselves'

The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) has issued a strong statement addressing recent allegations of referee bribery within Croatian football. The federation labeled the claims as hypocritical, suggesting a lack of genuine commitment to tackling corruption.

The HNS pointed to past events, recalling the case of Hrvoje Maleš. He reportedly faced significant personal safety risks after coming forward with similar accusations. In contrast, individuals allegedly connected to these corrupt practices were later rewarded with advisory roles within the HNS. This historical context is used by the federation to highlight what it perceives as a pattern of hypocrisy and selective enforcement.

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It is hypocritical that the HNS distances itself.

The federation's response suggests a deep-seated issue within the sport's administration, where accusations of bribery are met with defensiveness rather than proactive investigation. The statement implies that those now raising concerns are themselves complicit or have previously failed to act decisively when similar issues were brought to light.

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We don't need to go far into the past. When Hrvoje Maleš reported similar occurrences, he practically had to worry about his own safety, while individuals connected to such patterns of behavior were later rewarded with positions as advisors in the HNS.