The head of Croatia's football federation is facing legal action after telling a newspaper he would not allow gay players to represent the country. Vlatko Markovic said in an interview with the Vecernji list newspaper on Sunday that as long as he heads the federation, a gay player "certainly" will not feature for Croatia. Asked if he had ever encountered a gay footballer, he replied: "No. Fortunately, only healthy people play football."
The gay groups Kontra and Iskorak have now said via their websites that they will sue Markovic in Croatia and report him to Uefa, saying his remarks violate Croatian and international laws. Markovic apologised for his comments today, saying that he was "sorry for a clumsy interpretation. It was not my intention whatsoever to insult or hurt anyone. I have nothing against members of any minority, least of all against those of same-sex orientation."
Croatian media reported that Markovic could be fined or suspended by the federation, whose statute bans any act of discrimination, if it receives an official complaint. Markovic has been president of Croatia's football federation for 12 years, and last year was awarded an Order of Merit by Uefa for his long and loyal service to the sport. Uefa says it is yet to open an investigation.
