Marić Pulls Out Due to Threats; Advocates for Release of All Controversial VAR Room Recordings

Marić Pulls Out Due to Threats; Advocates for Release of All Controversial VAR Room Recordings

On Tuesday, Hajduk asked for a statement from HNS President, Marijan Kustić, regarding the leaked recordings of referees’ on-field and VAR room discussions during HNL matches. Kustić replied that he had requested a statement from the officiating commission and would report to the appropriate authorities. Despite this, there was no response from the Croatian Football Association about the significant officiating controversy. Kustić spoke about this on Dnevnik Nova TV on Thursday, a few hours after he accepted the resignation of Bruno Marić, the head of the officiating commission, due to personal reasons.

How did Bruno Marić’s dismissal occur? Was he replaced by someone else?

– Bruno and I had a meeting and talked extensively about all the incidents that have occurred in the past few days. After hearing his side of the story and considering his personal reasons, as well as the threats made against him and his family, I accepted his resignation and submitted it to the executive committee for approval. The reasons he gave should remain between us. I have shared everything I can.

What are your thoughts on the leaked recordings of the referees’ discussions?

– I am disappointed that the recordings were released in this manner. I want to assure everyone that I have nothing to hide. If necessary, I am in favor of releasing the recordings, especially if there is controversy surrounding a match. The first time I listened to the recordings, I found some parts uncomfortable. As far as I am concerned, they are free to release the recordings if they believe there was a dispute regarding some decisions. Whether the protocol was properly or improperly followed, I believe the most important thing is ensuring the final decision is fair.

Photo: Davor Javorović, Hrvoje Jelavić, Goran Kovačić/PIXSELL, 24sata

‘Relations with Hajduk are fine’

Would you allow the recordings to be made public?

– Why not? If it can be done, and I don’t see why it can’t. If they played a recording during a press conference, they should play the actual recording to show whether something was correct or not.

What do you think about the chaotic communication in the VAR room?

– That’s a matter of discussion; it’s about the communication between the referees themselves. Obviously, when certain situations arise, there are multiple people in the VAR room, looking at different camera angles, trying to reach a final decision as quickly as possible to inform the head referee. This can lead to chaotic situations.

Have you been in contact with Hajduk President Lukša Jakobušić?

– We have not spoken over the phone, but we have exchanged letters. I would respond in the same manner to any other club that contacted me.

How is your communication with him?

– Every club has its own ambition and desires to be at the top, which is normal. Our relations are fine; I have nothing negative to point out.

Photo: Robert Matić/HNK Hajduk

“The quality of officiating is now better than before”

Do you now regret the decision to appoint Marić?

– I would not say so. Since his appointment, he has put in a lot of effort into the officiating commission. I am grateful for his hard work. We have made significant progress in the trial and the officiating commission, thanks to a lot of young referees. We must admit that the quality of officiating is much better now than it was before.

Do you have a successor in mind?

– We are not in a hurry; we want to choose the best possible option. We will make a decision very soon.

Has this affected you as president?

– No, it has not had an impact. As the president of the association, I strive to do my job to the best of my ability. The results reflect my efforts, in both competitive and other aspects.

‘We will strive to acquire additional cameras’

Should Hajduk react when its fans overstep boundaries?

– Absolutely, it is their responsibility.

Can the association acquire additional cameras to expedite decisions on contentious situations? Is that a feasible solution?

– I agree. We have been discussing this issue for the past 20 days. We aim to introduce more cameras to make decisions as quickly and accurately as possible.

Will there be foreign referees in the next championship?

– If necessary, why not? We have had foreign referees before.

Will Marić’s successor be announced in the coming days?

– We won’t rush the decision. Referees are assigned by Mr. Novak, not by the Commission. We aim to find the best possible solution. If Novak suggests that we should assign foreign referees, we have no objections.

WATCH THE VIDEO: Bruno Marić’s remarks



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Highlights from Bruno Marić’s press conference


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Video: 24sata/Video

Svetina: Let’s focus on football

Tomislav Svetina, the Executive Director of HNS, called for a lessening of tensions in an interview with HTV.

– We must all be mindful of our behavior, not just during matches, but also in the media. Let’s focus on football. I believe that Croatian football, especially with all the uncertainty this year, is doing well. The stadiums are filled, and we can see that wherever games are being played, the stadiums are well attended. The quality of football is what it is, but there is definitely interest. We all need to work together and think about how we can finish a normal championship, not just this one, but all future ones – Svetina commented.

From Tuesday to Thursday, unauthorized recordings were released that someone had downloaded and made public. Marić faced severe criticism for failing to clarify certain contentious situations. Following derogatory comments from Hajduk and threats from Torcida, he decided to step down.