Croatian FA backs under fire Logarusic

Logarusic’s alleged email to FKF puts his job in jeopardy

The Croatian Football Federation have come to the defence of former Gor Mahia head coach Zdravko Logarusic after it emerged that he allegedly forged his UEFA Pro Licence certificate.

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) is said to be investigating the credibility of the 55-year-old coaching badges despite leading the country to sealing a place in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Cameroon.

Doubts over the integrity of the document are understood to have emerged when the former AFC Leopards tactician emailed Football Kenya Federation indicating that he was working around the clock to secure the elite coaching badge.

It is believed that ZIFA in their background check on the former Asante Kotoko’s boss profile bumped into the undated email, raising eyebrows over its credibility.

Croatian Football Federation has backed the under-pressure tactician, insisting he acquired his certificate legitimately.

The federation, through their head of communications, Tomislav Pacak, told The Herald, there was nothing wrong with Loga’s badge.

 “Good to hear from you, we’re happy to see your team performing well with our coach Zdravko Logarušic. We hereby confirm that Mr Logarušic earned his UEFA Pro Licence in 2013 at the Croatian Football Federation Football Academy and his current badge (identification card) is valid until 30 June 2021.So, from our side, there is absolutely nothing suspicious about his licence. With regards to your inquiry, we refer you to the Croatian Football Federation, as they are the licensor and could inform you on this topic,’’ read a response to an email.

Pacak also confirmed the same to Mozzart Sport.

“Logarušić got his licence from the Croatian Football Federation academy in 2013. It was renewed and is still valid until the summer of 2021.” He said.

The UEFA Pro Licence is issued by the European football federations and remains valid, for two years, and has to be renewed after it expires.

It is the highest coaching certification available and follows the completion of the UEFA “B” and “A” Licence badges.