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Posted: July 9, 2018 12:16:35
Vida, 29, has already played for Ukrainian club Dynamo Kiev with Ognjen Vukojevic, a Croatian coach. (Source: AP)
Defender Domagoj Vida's video "glory to Ukraine" after his team beat Russia on penalties in the quarter-finals of the World Cup was not a political message, said Sunday the player. Saturday's match appeared online and sparked criticism from Russian politicians and a warning from the FIFA Disciplinary Committee.
Relations between Ukraine and the World Cup remain tense after Russia's annexation of the Crimean Peninsula.
Vida, 29, has already played for Ukrainian club Dynamo Kiev with Croatian coach Ognjen Vukojevic
"I regret that some media representatives have interpreted our communication in such a context. Was certainly not a political message, but a simple thank you for all the support of Ukraine, where Vukojevic and I have spent several years, "said Vida in a statement issued by the Croatian Football Federation (HNS)
. the intention was not to offend anyone. Throughout my career, I have had teammates from many countries and I respect them all, and as I have a lot of friends in Ukraine, I have a number of them in Russia – and I'm proud of all.
I sincerely hope that this message will not be understood as anything other than an expression of gratitude to our Ukrainian friends for their support – not in the match against Russia, but throughout the World Cup ", added Vida.
The HNS He asked Vida and Vukojevic and all players in Croatia "to refrain from any message that could be interpreted politically in the future."
Croatia will face England in the semi-finals in Moscow on Wednesday. last Fifa News, download Indian Express App
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