Croatia Football Federation (HNS) sacked their assistant coach just days before their semi-final match against England. This was after he posted a video shouting, “Glory to Ukraine!” after his team’s victory over Russia in the World Cup quarter-finals.
However, Ukraine’s football federation has offered him a job. They have also vowed to pay the fine FIFA subjected him to. After being stripped of his duties as the assistant coach by Croatia Football Federation, FIFA fined Vukojevic $15,000.
The “Glory to Ukraine!” video on his Instagram wall has been accused by Russian politicians, citing that it could cause political unrest between the two countries.
Vukojevic used to play for Dynamo Kiev, a Ukrainian club. While he posted the video with no political intentions, some have accused it claiming that it has distinct anti-Kremlin connotations.
“We decided to compensate Vukojevic from our personal funds for the fine that he will have to pay,” wrote the Ukraine football federation chief Andriy Pavelko.
“In addition, we are ready to consider the options for the cooperation of FFU with such a high-class specialist,” added Pavelko.
Many people have slammed FIFA for their action against Vukojevic for posting such a simple video. Ukraine’s foreign ministry called their actions “unprofessional actions”.
After the sacking and fine to Vukojevic, there were protests in front of Croatian embassy in Ukraine’s capital Kiev with Protestants singing “Glory to Ukraine,” in support of Vukojevic.
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