Former head of the Croatian Football Federation, Vlatko Marković, passed away on Monday in a Zagreb hospital at the age of 76.
Marković has been fighting a battle with Alzheimer’s disease, and recently contracted pneumonia, which worsened his condition.
He famously coached teams such as Dinamo Zagreb and Hajduk Split as well as several other teams including Rapid Wien and the Croatian National team from 1993 and 1994.
He also played 104 matches as a center back for Dinamo between 1958 and 1965 before moving abroad.
Marković most recently has been the head of the HNS from 1999 and stepped down in May of 2012 after controversy created by public statements regarding his stance on homosexuals in the sport.
He excelled as both a player and a coach, and will be remembered for his contributions to the sport in Croatian and abroad.
“Croatian football has lost one of the best and most important officials in its history. I was honored to know Vlatko, and to work with him, and it’s needless to say how many important things he did for Croatian football.” – Davor Šukar
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Everyone knows the man’s history. In the wake of his passing, better to move on with class rather to dredge up all the ugliness….Pocivaj u Bozjem miru.
Can’t wait to hear Mamic’s comments about him and the fake tears that will come. Mamic basically threw him out as president leading up to Euro 2012 and replaced him with Puppet Suker.
Bog Mu Da Raj ! RIP !!!
Great coach, player and Hrvat but terrible head of the HNS. Pocivaj u miru Bozjem