Nemanja Vidic: Ex-Manchester United Captain Received Threats Over Football Association Criticism

Nemanja Vidic, the esteemed former captain of Manchester United and a prominent figure in Serbian football, has disclosed that he was informed of alleged threats made against him following his public criticism of the Football Association of Serbia (FSS). These revelations stem from an investigation by the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), in conjunction with Serbian outlet KRIK.

According to the investigation, Slavisa Kokeza, the former head of the FSS, allegedly sent messages detailing plans to monitor, intimidate, and physically assault Vidic. The messages reportedly suggested Vidic would “end up in a ditch” or “go to the cemetery” if he did not cease his public commentary on the state of Serbian football.

Por que importa

Vidic’s criticism emerged in 2020 after Serbia’s failure to qualify for the delayed Euro 2020 tournament. At the time, Vidic, who was living in Milan, Italy, and pursuing his coaching badges, voiced concerns about the integrity and effectiveness of the FSS leadership. He expressed that the system was “broken” and required more credible individuals in administration, rather than focusing blame solely on players and coaches.

The former defender stated that he was approached by OCCRP and KRIK reporters in mid-May, who presented him with encrypted messages obtained from the now-defunct Sky ECC communication service. These messages, purportedly sent by Kokeza, indicated a desire to silence Vidic’s media presence and included discussions of fitting a tracker to his car.

Contexto

Vidic described his initial reaction to the news as sarcastic, a characteristic he attributed to his years in Manchester. However, upon reading the messages and understanding the seriousness of the threats, his perspective shifted. He expressed surprise that Kokeza would engage in such actions, especially considering his own passionate desire to see Serbian football improve.

Key facts

Vidic emphasized that his sole motivation for speaking out was a genuine desire to improve Serbian football, a passion he felt strongly about for his country, its players, and coaches. He clarified that he was not seeking a leadership role at that time, as he was focusing on his coaching career. It was two years later, in 2023, after Kokeza had resigned, that Vidic put his name forward for the head of the federation, aiming to implement changes. However, he withdrew his candidacy before the election, citing a lack of readiness from decision-makers.

Despite the gravity of the alleged threats, Vidic stated he was not personally frightened, though he acknowledged the impact on his family. He maintained his belief in the validity of his opinions regarding Serbian football’s values and administration. He also noted that neither the police nor any other authority had contacted him regarding the information uncovered by the OCCRP and KRIK.

The implications of these alleged threats raise serious questions about the environment within Serbian football administration and the potential repercussions for those who voice dissent. Vidic’s experience highlights the challenges faced by individuals seeking reform in deeply entrenched systems.

Source: The Athletic Football – https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7436202/2026/07/17/nemanja-vidic-serbia-kokeza/