Serbian water polo players continue boycott of national team

The Serbian national water polo team faces a significant roster crisis as 11 players who won the European Championship in Belgrade continue their boycott of the national team. Led by captain Nikola Jakšić and Dušan Mandić, the players refuse to compete as long as Slobodan Soro remains at the head of the Water Polo Federation of Serbia.

Head coach Vladimir Vujasinović attempted to resolve the situation through discussions with Jakšić and Mandić, but the players confirmed their stance from May remains unchanged. The number of unavailable championship-era players has risen to 12 following the suspension of Nikola Lukić due to disciplinary issues.

With the World Cup approaching early next year—a tournament that offers qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics—Vujasinović announced he will rely on the group of players who secured bronze at the Mediterranean Games in Taranto. Currently available from the European title-winning squad are Milan Glušac, Vasilije Martinović, and Miloš Ćuk.