NK Imotski - Nationalist Symbols Controversy

Nationalist Symbols Controversy

In October 2007, the Croatian newspaper Slobodna Dalmacija reported that NK Imotski's club dress had Ustaša-related symbols (The letter U and the Independent State of Croatia-resembling coat of arms inside the letter. That was, in fact, the logo of the club's leading sponsor, the edile company "gUj" (meaning "Gojko Und Jure"). Some historians and critics claim the symbols display is an open praising of the Ustaše, a World War II-era Nazi regime in Croatia.

The club's president Nediljko Tolo said that "as long as the sponsor finances our club, we will carry those symbols on our dresses".

According to the club's web site, the shirt with the logo have become a "hit" among the fans and have been widely accepted.

In early November 2007 Croatian Second League Association announced that NK Imotski violated FIFA, Croatian Football Federation rules and laws of Republic of Croatia. NK Imotski had to quit a sponsorship deal with "Gojko und Jure" until the company changes its logo. NK Imotski had to find new club dresses for the players and remove all "Gojko und Jure" advertisements around the stadium.

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