The county councillor, Marijan Škvarić, has written to the Croatian Football Federation (HNS) regarding the design of the new national team kits, questioning why the Lepoglava lace is not featured on them.
The new kits were presented as a blend of innovation, design, and national identity, with the design incorporating motifs of glagolitic script and Paš lace. HNS President Marijan Kustić stated that the kits "perfectly blend local pride with a global perspective" and represent the values of Croatia.
Škvarić sent an open letter to the HNS president on 16 September, in which he posed the question: "Why has the Lepoglava lace been omitted from the narrative of Croatian heritage on the kit?" He notes that by 6 October, he had received no response from the Federation. He further asks: "If the new kit represents local pride, why has this local pride not included the Lepoglava lace?"
Škvarić emphasizes that he has no issue with the Paš lace, but notes that Croatian lace on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity comprises three traditions: Lepoglava, Paš, and Hvar. He believes the narrative of national identity on the kit should be complete. "This is a question of the equitable representation of Croatian regions," he states, adding: "Lepoglava lace is no less valuable than Paš lace" and "Lepoglava is no less Croatian than Pa."
Škvarić points out that as mayor, he has worked for 25 years on promoting Lepoglava lace, and questions whether the design team was aware that Lepoglava lace is also part of the UNESCO heritage. He notes that Croatia is not just the Adriatic, but also the continental part, including Lepoglav, Varaždin County, and Hrvatsko Zagorje.
"What kind of Croatia do we wish to present to the world? A Croatia of just one region, or a Croatia of all its regions and traditions?" asks Škvarić. He adds that he is not linking the design to sporting results, but believes the time is right to discuss how Croatia presents itself.
