Josip Varvodić Elected President of Croatian Olympic Committee; Opponent Notes Secret Ballot Impact

Josip Varvodić has been elected the new president of the Croatian Olympic Committee (HOO), securing victory over his opponent, Dragan Primorac. Varvodić, president of the Croatian Swimming Federation, garnered 81 votes, while Primorac, president of the Croatian Football Federation, received 68 votes.

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Congratulations to colleague Varvodić, we just exchanged a few words. That's how it is, that's democracy.

Primorac acknowledged the outcome, stating, "Congratulations to colleague Varvodić, we just exchanged a few words. That's how it is, that's democracy." He observed a substantial difference between the secret ballot and the public vote, suggesting that secret voting influenced the result. "What is visible is that there was a huge difference compared to the public vote; people vote secretly and that turned things around," Primorac commented.

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What is visible is that there was a huge difference compared to the public vote; people vote secretly and that turned things around.

Despite the electoral defeat, Primorac extended his best wishes to Varvodić. "I wish him much success; Croatian sport is a great responsibility, he has already formed his team," he said. When asked about his next steps, Primorac revealed his immediate plans involve traveling to America the following week for his ongoing work on stem cell applications for inoperable heart diseases, indicating his continued commitment to his medical research.

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I wish him much success; Croatian sport is a great responsibility, he has already formed his team.