ZAGREB, Croatia (AP) — Croatian gay groups are protesting against the remarks of the president of the country’s soccer federation, who said in an interview that he wouldn’t allow a gay player on the national team.
In an interview with the Vecernji List newspaper published on Sunday, Vlatko Markovic said that as long as he heads the national federation, a gay player “certainly” will not suit up for Croatia.
Asked whether he had ever encountered a gay player, Markovic replied: “No, fortunately, only healthy people play football.”
The groups, Kontra and Iskorak, say on their websites that Markovic’s remarks are “discriminatory” and violate Croatian and international laws.
The groups say they will sue Markovic in Croatia and also report him to UEFA.
