Football management and political allegations in Serbia

Recent reports highlight allegations of political interference and financial mismanagement within Serbian football organizations.

In Sjenica, FK Sloga President Zihro Juković addressed claims that the club’s centenary was being used for political promotion. Juković denied these accusations, stating the administration joined at the request of the Sandžak Party (SPP) to assist the club. He reported significant financial difficulties, including a debt of approximately 500,000 dinars to a local fuel company, and a lack of basic resources for operations.

Separately, Nenad Stanojević, General Secretary of the Obrenovac Football Association, has called for the resignation of Nikola Lazetić, president of the Belgrade Football Association (FSB). Stanojević accused Lazetić of using political influence to secure his position and violating FIFA, UEFA, and FSS ethical codes. The allegations include the conditional distribution of aid to specific clubs, political campaigning by employees, and awarding contracts to a family member’s company.

Nikola Lazetić has issued a formal denial against these allegations, dismissing them as “baseless and motivated by personal frustration.” He stated that the FSB operates transparently and in accordance with the law, noting that his accusers had previously supported the association during elections. Lazetić indicated that legal steps would be taken to protect his reputation and that of the organization.