– Belgrade, Serbia
Leaked encrypted messages from the Sky ECC app have allegedly revealed a plot by former Serbian Football Federation president Slaviša Kokeza to intimidate and threaten former Manchester United player Nemanja Vidić. The communications reportedly began after Vidić publicly criticized the Serbian football leadership for corruption in late 2020. Kokeza, a prominent member of Serbia’s ruling party, feared that Vidić might challenge his position.
According to the leaked chats, authorities linked an account to Kokeza. He allegedly instructed intermediaries to warn Vidić to stay away from the Football Federation or face serious consequences, with messages reportedly stating that he would ‘end up in a ditch’ or be sent ‘to the cemetery.’ The conversations also reportedly referenced threats against Vidić's family and plans to attack other former players who supported the criticism.
The alleged plot reportedly progressed to identifying targets in Milan, where Vidić resided, including the placement of a tracking device in his car. However, the plan was called off in December 2020 before any violence occurred. Kokeza resigned as FSS president in March 2021 amid further corruption issues and subsequently moved abroad.
Vidić, informed of the messages by journalists, called the revelations devastating and questioned why the authorities never warned him. He asserted that his criticism was directed at systemic corruption in Serbian football, not personal ambition. The Serbian Public Prosecutor's Office has confirmed that Kokeza was never criminally investigated for these specific allegations.
This case highlights ongoing concerns about the links between football governance, politics, and criminal networks in Serbia. Neither Kokeza nor the Serbian Football Federation has responded to the allegations.