Ex-Serbian FA chief 'behind' intimidation campaign against Nemanja Vidic | OneFootball

Nemanja Vidic was allegedly targeted by an intimidation campaign orchestrated by former Serbian FA president Slavisa Kokeza after he criticised his leadership. According to OCCRP and KRIK, Kokeza looked to silence the ex-defender using criminal and hooligan networks.

The outlets say they obtained encrypted messages showing Kokeza coordinating a plan to threaten and attack Vidic. The exchanges outlined efforts to organise intimidation and violence.

The sequence began in November 2020, when Serbia failed to reach the Euros. Vidic, 44, published an open letter condemning a rotten system enriching people with questionable pasts. Kokeza, then FSS president, feared he wanted his job and moved to mute him via Sky ECC.

Many interlocutors were linked to the mafia and hooliganism, the report said. Messages warned Vidic to stay away from the federation or end up in a ditch, and that he would be sent to the cemetery if he spoke out again. A GPS tracker was reportedly placed on his car in Milan.

Physical attacks on Vidic’s allies were also discussed, with several targets located. Kokeza is said to have urged patience, insisting actions be carried out one by one. He also wanted Vidic threatened in person, though it is unclear if that happened.

Vidic told the outlets he had not been warned by Serbian authorities, criticising the police, judiciary and prosecution, and those who installed such figures in power. Kokeza is reported to have paused the campaign in December 2020, then resigned months later without executing the threats.

Source: L'Équipe