Former Manchester United skipper admits defeat in bid to end rampant corruption
On Monday, legendary Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic withdrew his candidacy for Serbia football president.
Vidic was in the running but will now abandon his pursuit of the top spot.
According to AP News, the Serbian football governing body is riddled with corruption and crime.
This is something Vidic mentioned in his statement announcing his withdrawal from the race.
“Our soccer faces big challenges,” the former United center-back said. Many things need to be and can be improved.
My plan was and still is to assemble a team of top professionals capable of overcoming these challenges.
“Unfortunately, at every step of the way toward becoming the president of the (federation), it was made clear to me that we would not be given that chance.”
According to the Associated Press, the only remaining candidate is former Red Star Belgrade club executive Dragan Dzajic.
Dzajic is thought to have a fruitful relationship with the current populist government, which will likely propel him to the position.
According to AP News, stadiums in Serbia are packed with hardline nationalist supporters who use the opportunity to advance their political agenda while intimidating fans who are only interested in the sport.
Undoubtedly, United fans would have preferred to see Vidic succeed.
His immense leadership qualities are well known to all of his supporters.
Vidic won the Champions League, five Premier League titles, a FIFA Club World Cup, and three English League Cups during his time at Old Trafford.
While in England, the 41-year-old was named to the PFA Team of the Year four times, including three consecutive times between 2007 and 2009.
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Former Manchester United skipper admits defeat in bid to end rampant corruption