Croatia have sacked their assistant coach Ognjen Vukojevic just days before they face England in the 2018 Russia World Cup semi-final encounter.
The 34-year-old retired footballer is said to have been thrown out of Russia by the Croatian Football Federation after posting a politically-charged video with defender Domagoj Vida on social media.
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He did this immediately Croatia defeated Russia in the quarterfinal of the 2018 World Cup according to the report by Independent.
“The Croatian Football Federation hereby notifies the public that Ognjen Vukojevic has been relieved of his duties as an associate of the coaching staff of the Croatian national team by decision of the management of the Croatian FA and that he will no longer be a member of the Croatian delegation at the FIFA World Cup in Russia”, The Croatia Football Federation said according to the Independent UK.
“The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) has decided to revoke Vukojevic’s team accreditation at the FIFA World Cup and to relieve him of his duties as an observer for the Croatian national team,” the statement continued.
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Vukojević started to play football at Mladost Ždralovi and moved to NK Bjelovar before starting his professional career at Slaven Belupo in 2003.
He moved to Belgian side Lierse S.K. in 2005 but was not given a chance to prove his talent at the club and decided to return to Croatia in December 2005 signing with Dinamo Zagreb.
There were earlier reports of how Croatia president, Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic rushed into the dressing room to celebrate with his players after their penalty win over Russia.
She was at the VIP stand along with FIFA head, Gianni Infantino, and Russian prime minister, Dmitry Medvedev, during the entire match and was happy after her players won via penalties.