Timi Max Elšnik criticized over Crvena zvezda tribute to Ratko Mladić

Slovenian international footballer Timi Max Elšnik has faced criticism from Slovenian media following a minute of silence held by his club, Crvena zvezda, to honor Ratko Mladić.

Following the death of Mladić, a convicted war criminal, Crvena zvezda observed a minute of silence, and club supporters displayed banners dedicated to him. Elšnik, a midfielder for the Belgrade-based club, declined to comment on the controversy after a Nations League match between Slovenia and Scotland. He stated, “Whatever I answer, it would be wrong, so I have no comment on this question,” noting his previous stance on not mixing sports with politics.

Ratko Mladić was sentenced to life imprisonment by the International Criminal Tribunal in The Hague for genocide in Srebrenica, as well as crimes against humanity and war crimes. He passed away on August 27, 2026, while serving his sentence.