MOSCOW, July 8 (Sputnik) - Croatian Football Federation (HNS) called upon the players of Croatia national team to avoid making any political statements at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia in an official statement on the federation’s website.
"Croatian Football Federation would like to emphasize that the aforementioned messages were merely a response to numerous messages of support received from Ukraine during the 2018 FIFA World Cup, considering the deep impact Vida and Vukojević had in Ukraine when playing for powerhouse Dynamo Kyiv," the statement said.
"Nonetheless, Croatian Football Federation has pointed out to both Vida and Vukojević, as well as all other internationals, to refrain from any messages that could be politically interpreted in the future."
Croatia beat hosts Russia 4-3 on penalties after drawing 2-2 after extra time with Vida scoring Croatia's second in the 10th minute of extra time and advanced to the semi-finals.
Later, a video appeared on social media on Saturday night showing Vida shouting 'Glory to Ukraine!' and former Croatia midfielder Ognjen Vukojevic saying "This is a victory for Dynamo [Kiev] and Ukraine."
Both Vida and Vukojevic played for Ukrainian Premier League club Dynamo Kiev.
FIFA's disciplinary committee sent a warning to the player Domagoj Vida due to his video statement following the 2018 FIFA World Cup match between Russia and Croatia.
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