By SUNTV Global Channel News Desk
Tuesday, June 30, 2026
Leaked encrypted messages have allegedly revealed a plot by former Serbian Football Association (FSS) president Slaviša Kokeza to intimidate and threaten former Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidić following the retired defender’s public criticism of Serbian football leadership.
The allegations emerged from a joint investigation by the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) and Serbian investigative outlet KRIK, based on conversations recovered from the encrypted Sky ECC messaging platform.
According to the investigation, the alleged discussions began after Serbia failed to qualify for the 2020 UEFA European Championship, a period during which Vidić openly criticised the administration of Serbian football and called for reforms.
The leaked chats reportedly suggest that Kokeza discussed using individuals linked to organised crime and football hooligan groups to intimidate Vidić and discourage him from becoming involved in football administration.
Some of the messages allegedly contained threats against the former defender, including discussions about monitoring his movements and intimidating members of his family. Investigators, however, said they found no evidence that the alleged plans were ultimately carried out.
The investigation also referenced other former Serbian internationals, including Nemanja Matić, Danko Lazović, and Dragan Mrđa, who had publicly supported Vidić’s criticism of the football federation.
Reacting to the revelations, Vidić said he had never been informed by Serbian authorities of any alleged threat to his safety and questioned why he first learned about the claims through journalists rather than law enforcement agencies.
Describing the revelations as disturbing, the former defender called for greater accountability from security institutions and expressed concern that the alleged threats could still pose a risk.
Serbian prosecutors stated that Kokeza has never been the subject of a criminal investigation and declined further comment. The Football Association of Serbia also did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The investigation further alleged links between influential football figures, organised crime groups, and political interests in Serbia. Kokeza, who resigned as president of the Football Association of Serbia in 2021, has never been charged with any offence in connection with the allegations.
The claims remain allegations contained in the investigative report, and no court has established criminal liability against those mentioned.
