In light of recent reports in various media regarding certain players' appearances for the national „A“ team, we would like to express our stance as we feel responsible toward our fans, sports community, and the overall BiH public:
“A call-up to a national football team is a noble act, the pinnacle of years of hard work and sacrifice, the dream of every player who wants to have a respectable football career. It’s also the dream of every boy and girl in love with the magical ball and the most important unimportant thing in the world. To receive such a call is an unbelievable feeling. And to run out onto the field in your favorite jersey – few experiences in life can compare for a professional athlete.
However the call-up is just the first step – a call-up is NOT a guarantee of a place on the national team. Continued hard work, discipline, dedication, and also humility, which brought the player to that moment, remain the basic elements that players must keep fulfilling in order to earn a spot in the starting eleven. On the other hand, manipulations, spinning, and uncollegial behavior are factors that exclude one player from the best squad because they are in absolute contradiction to the values our national team strives to uphold, as does every other national team with respect for itself.
Therefore, we say it clearly and unequivocally: our „A“ team will not tolerate those who do not want, cannot, or simply do not give their best out there. Our football federation will not be 'held hostage' by personal relationships of those who today speak out, accuse others, and point fingers through the media, dragging the beautiful game from the green pitch into the mud of gossip, tabloid rumors, and twisted truths. Whatever they have to say, let them show it on the pitch, the only place that has always been the measure of quality.
To those trying to pull us into their personal conflicts, I say, leave us alone to work and create new values for the rise of our football. Being a professional means taking responsibility for your actions and communicating directly with others, without involving middlemen and others who have no role in the football community except to be support.
So to avoid turning all of this into a general statement that implies who it partly refers to but doesn’t say explicitly, I want to say clearly: NO ONE, not even mr. Anel Ahmedhodžić, can choose when and at what time they’ll be available for the national team. 'Temporarily stepping down' from the national team, as some media conveniently called it, for an indefinite period, or as mr. Ahmedhodžić put it, 'in the near future,' is neither acceptable nor will it be tolerated. The national football team is a cult, a sacred duty, and when it calls to you, you respond and put it first, at the top of your priorities. You don’t choose it. It chooses you!
Someone who, for the second time, finds themselves in the spotlight for similar reasons, not showing up without a clear explanation or stepping down for equally unclear reasons, has chosen something that is unimaginable to anyone who dreams of a call to the national team. Therefore, we take this opportunity to make it clear that this is the definitive end of Anel Ahmedhodžić’s national team career. Not for the near future, but for the farthest future. Calling him back, in the near or distant future, would in my opinion, be a great insult to all those who love this country and this national team. His shameful actions have no justification and no basis in reality, and with them, he has offended all Bosnians and Herzegovinians. Our response is, therefore, clear and decisive.
Finally, as already stated above, involving intermediaries, friends, family members, fathers and mothers, spouses, brothers or sisters, children, and agents in commenting on decisions related to the national team is neither a suitable nor acceptable practice at the professional football level. Nor does the football public care about that. Being a national team player is an honor but also a responsibility. It brings many stunning experiences, but also tough moments where you are exposed to public criticism, which simply expects you to give your best. You must be ready for that. If you offend the fans who admire you and love you, why then are you surprised by their criticism?
By being called-up to a national team, you gain a lot. The public, the Federation, teammates, and the staff members expect you to give back just as much. No one is interested in the opinions and views of such individuals, family members, friends, and agents regarding a player's call-up or response. Only performance on the field matters, and behavior towards the national emblem off it. Let this be a message to everyone in the days, months, and years ahead that we have zero tolerance for unnecessary communication not related to why we gather. It’s time the national team of Bosnia and Herzegovina stops being seen as a casual bonus when it’s an absolute privilege!
Whoever wants to be part of this story is always welcome. Whoever doesn’t, please leave us alone in our efforts to achieve our dreams, and the dreams of our fans."
Emir Spahić, Sports Director
