Istra 1961 will not release striker Nika Škafar Žužić for the Under-17 World Cup, which is being held in Qatar from 19 November to 13 December. The club exercised its veto power and did not allow the player to travel to the tournament, a decision that has disappointed the Croatian Football Federation (HNS).
Coach Marijan Budimir has called up Vito Jakovljević of Sesvete in place of Škafar Žužić. The young internationals are scheduled to gather in Zagreb on Tuesday, 10 November. It remains to be seen whether Osijek will release centre-back Iza Ježić.
Head instructor Petar Krpan spoke to the official HNS website. He said they were aware that Istra 1961 and coach Javier Cabello had the right to make such a decision, but that they also had the right to state clearly that they were disappointed. He emphasised that the World Cup is not an ordinary tournament nor an opportunity that arises every year, reminding that this is only the fifth time in history that Croatian cadets will play at a world showcase.
"For young footballers, this is a unique opportunity in life to represent their country on the biggest global stage in their generation," Krpan said. He added that such an experience has no price, neither in sporting nor human terms. He highlighted that it was difficult for them to understand a decision that denies such an opportunity to a young player who wants to play for Croatia and who earned his place in the competition through performances with his teammates.
Krpan believes that playing in the World Cup is not just an accolade for the player, but also for his club, coaches and everyone who contributed to his development. He said it is an opportunity for the young footballer to establish himself, but also a confirmation of the quality of work in his local environment. He thanked all Croatian clubs that recognise the importance of playing for the national team and who, even when it is not a formal obligation, allow their players to fulfil their sporting dreams.
Such an approach, he said, shows responsibility towards the players, but also towards Croatian football. "This is how the culture of the Croatian national team was built, which is the foundation of all our successes," Krpan said. He added that they were sorry that coach Cabello did not share such a vision in this case, and that they were particularly sorry for Nika, who had earned the chance to play in the World Cup with his performances.
Krpan wished coach Marijan Budimir, the staff and the entire team much sporting luck and success in Doha. He also stated that all clubs have the right to refuse to release players for competitions outside the official FIFA window, but emphasised that such a decision is contrary to the interests of the footballer, and Croatian football as a whole.
The Under-17 World Cup, although under FIFA's jurisdiction, is not a competition played in FIFA windows, so clubs are not obliged to release their players. Official FIFA windows are periods during which senior national teams play in qualifying matches for major tournaments or in friendly matches, and usually last up to 14 days. Since the Under-17 World Cup lasts more than three weeks, it is not played exclusively within official FIFA windows. FIFA expanded the competition to 48 participating teams, and it was not feasible to align it with standard, primary breaks.
Croatia will play in the group stage in Qatar against Senegal on 20 November, Tajikistan on 23 November and Cuba on 26 November.
