ZAGREB, Croatia (AP) — Vlatko Markovic was re-elected for a fourth term as president of the Croatian Football Federation on Friday, despite being investigated by UEFA over a gay slur.
Markovic, who has headed Croatia's football body since 1998, beat former international Igor Stimac by a vote of 25-24. Stimac's and Markovic's camps fiercely clashed throughout the campaign.
Markovic came under fire last month for declaring that as long as he heads the federation, no gay player will feature for Croatia. He also said he had never met a gay player because "only healthy people play football."
UEFA then opened a case against Markovic over rules relating to discrimination and the conduct of officials. The European football authority's disciplinary panel met Nov. 25, but said it needed more time to consider a verdict. It can suspend Markovic from all football duty.
UEFA honored 73-year-old Markovic with a long-service award last year, and he is vice chairman of its development and technical assistance committee. Markovic also serves on FIFA's football committee alongside retired greats such as Pele, Franz Beckenbauer and Bobby Charlton.
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