Rade Bogdanovic, a former Atletico Madrid striker turned pundit, has issued an apology after making remarks widely condemned as racist during Serbian television coverage of the World Cup. Speaking on state broadcaster RTS, Bogdanovic claimed that "black players lack concentration beyond 60 to 80 minutes" while analysing Belgium's goalless draw with Iran.
Context of the Controversial Remarks
Bogdanovic's comments came after Nathan Ngoy, a young defender, was sent off 66 minutes into the match for bringing down Mehdi Taremi as the last man. The pundit said: "I have always said those players – and I'm really not racist – but black players lack the concentration to last more than 60 to 80 minutes. I played with them. Sometimes we had to protect our own players from making mistakes. Modern football doesn't allow this kind of error at World Cup level." The programme's presenter immediately challenged the remarks, but Bogdanovic remained steadfast, insisting "the majority lack concentration."
Broadcaster and Pundit Apologise
Despite fierce online criticism, RTS continued to feature Bogdanovic in their coverage of the following day's match between Argentina and Austria. However, he later apologised, telling Reuters: "I sincerely apologise for my statement regarding black football players." RTS also released a separate apology, stating: "We would like to take this opportunity to apologise, as a broadcaster, for the statement made in our programme concerning members of a particular race."
FIFA's Anti-Discrimination Efforts
The incident comes shortly after FIFA intensified its battle against discrimination to mark the International Day for Countering Hate Speech. The governing body launched "high-impact stadium activations" across Atlanta, Guadalajara, Los Angeles and Vancouver, delivering a "rallying cry" to stamp out discrimination and "protect football." National captains exchanged specially designed commemorative pendants bearing native languages on one side and the English translation "WE PLAY TOGETHER. WE STAND AGAINST HATE" on the reverse.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino said: "Hate speech has no place in football or in society. On the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, we reaffirm our tireless commitment to eradicating discriminatory abuse in all its forms. When players, coaches and match officials are targeted, it is an attack on football itself. We have a duty to protect them, and a duty to protect followers from hateful abuse and from the idea that such behaviour is acceptable. That is why we have strengthened the FIFA Disciplinary Code, launched the No Racism campaign and empowered players, coaches and match officials through the No Racism gesture."
New Mouth-Covering Rule Enforced
FIFA has also introduced a new regulation at this summer's tournament, whereby any player caught covering their mouth while speaking to others on the pitch faces an immediate red card, regardless of intent. Paraguay's Miguel Almiron became the first player dismissed under the rule, shielding his mouth during a conversation midway through his side's encounter with Turkey. Assistant referee promptly showed the red card. Paraguay head coach Gustavo Alfaro said: "According to the law, if you cover your mouth you're sent off. Red card. There's nothing I can do about that. Unfortunately, we can't issue a new opinion on this. He apologised to the players for his mistake. He knew about the situation he had left his team-mates in with his actions." Almiron will be ruled out of Paraguay's concluding group stage fixture against Australia on June 26.
