Serbia’s most successful sport is facing one of its biggest crises. The water polo team, which has brought the country numerous accolades over the years, is currently embroiled in a heated controversy following the resignation of several players from the national team. The president of the Serbian Water Polo Association, Slobodan Soro, announced that recent European and Olympic gold medals "were no longer a source of inspiration, but rather a testament to past success."
In a dramatic turn of events, 11 players have refused to play for the national team as long as Soro remains in his position. This decision has been supported by both former and current team members. The Association, however, insists that the decision was made by seven former and four current players.
Former representative Danilo Ikodinović expressed his disappointment with the statement, saying it was "carefully planned and not something that just happened overnight." He added that the situation is "distasteful."
The players who were not invited to the last competition (World Cup qualifiers), including Strahinja Rašović, Sava Ranđelović, Radoslav Filipović, Radomir Drašović, Nemanja Vico, Nikola Dedović, and Viktor Rašović, have also voiced their concerns. Denis Šefik, another former player, noted that the players have made their stance clear.
The Association has called out those who are using the sport for political purposes, stating that this is not acceptable. Vlada Živanović, an editor at TV Nova, commented that the reason cited by the players is the management within the water polo association and the political influences that are present.
The conflict between politics and sport in Serbia has been ongoing for years, with different leaders blessing the relationship. Živanović pointed out that Soro is the president of a fictitious entity created by Aleksandar Šapić, the former mayor of Novi Beograd, who also served as the club’s coach. This situation highlights the intertwined relationship between sport and politics in the country.
Public memory is also reminded of the moment when Dušan Mandić refused to shake Šapić's hand at a reception for the team after winning the Olympic gold medal in 2024. Ikodinović believes there might be a connection between these events.
For now, Serbia's water polo team is in disarray, with players refusing to participate in national competitions as long as the current leadership remains in place.
