By Giwa SHILE
A member of the Russian lower house’s Committee for Physical Culture, Sport, Tourism and Youth Affairs Dmitry Svishchev on Monday said FIFA’s reaction to the statements made by Croatia defender Domagoj Vida was insufficient.
“I support the decision of the Croatian Football Federation, it’s good that they recognised and reacted to this ugly situation, which doesn’t do any credit to Croatian players. Still, I do not think that FIFA’s reaction to Vida’s statement was sufficient.
“I don’t think the warning will be enough to keep him from making new political statements in the future. Yes, he tried to excuse himself, but what’s said is said,’’ Svishchev said.
Hosts Russia were defeated 4-3 on penalties by Croatia in the quarter-finals on Saturday.
Later, a video appeared on social media showing Vida shouting “Glory to Ukraine!” and former Croatia midfielder Ognjen Vukojevic saying “This is a victory for Dynamo [Kiev] and Ukraine.”
Both Vida and Vukojevic previously played for Ukrainian Premier League club Dynamo Kiev.
The HNS has since apologised for the Croatian delegation members’ behaviour, and Vida also expressed regret for his words.
The 29-year-old Besiktas player received a warning from FIFA, thus avoiding disqualification, and will still be able to play in their semi-final match against England on Wednesday in Moscow.
Earlier on Monday, the Croatian Football Federation (HNS) suspended their coaching assistant Vukojevic from his duties at this summer’s FIFA World Cup in Russia.
