Hajduk suspends captain Marko Livija from pre‑season training

Hajduk Split announced that captain Marko Livija left the pre‑season camp in Bled and returned to Split after being suspended for breaching the club’s disciplinary rules. The club said the sanction stemmed from Livija’s refusal to complete an additional running drill imposed after a team‑building session, followed by a verbal clash with coach Gonzalo Garcia and sporting director Robert Graf.

In its official statement Hajduk stressed that Livija remains “invaluable” to the club and is not on the transfer list. The suspension applies only to the preparation period; the player will re‑join the first‑team training once the squad returns to Split. The club also mentioned a prior oral warning on 19 June for missing a photo session and that Livija declined to sign the season’s disciplinary code.

The incident has sparked extensive media discussion, with speculation that Livija may seek a move abroad – possibly to the United Arab Emirates – and analysis from former players and coaches who argue the club could have handled the situation differently. Fan reactions on social media are sharply divided, some demanding his reinstatement and others supporting the disciplinary action.