Yugoslavia round-up: Partizan point way to championship crown

FK Partizan were crowned Yugoslavian first division champions for the 17th time in the club's history this afternoon after drawing a six-goal thriller with OFK Beograd, in the capital city derby.

Point to prove
FK Crvena Zvezda's 1-0 defeat at lowly FK Rudar Plevlje yesterday meant that Partizan only needed to take a point from today's game to take an unassailable ten-point lead at the top, with three games left to play.

Head start
But they were forced to work hard for their point after OFK took a two-goal lead. Djordje Jokic's 36th-minute header was followed immediately after the restart by a Srdjan Stanic strike. But Partizan pulled one back a minute later through Damir Cakar.

Tense finale
In the 63rd minute Vladimir Ivic's shot cannoned off the post into the path of Danko Lazovic, who rammed in the equaliser. With 15 minutes remaining Ivica Ilijev looked to have secured the winner for Partizan, but Djordje Brdjanin's equaliser minutes later ensured that the home fans had to endure a nervy final few minutes before being allowed to celebrate.

'We deserve the honour'
Partizan's coach, Ljubisa Tumbakovic, who has won a record nine Yugoslavian titles, said: "This is not my title, this is the club's title. I didn't play, the players have done this and I congratulate them. Partizan is a strong club, and we have done what we had to do. We deserve the honour.

Uncertain future
Tumbakovic has a contract with Partizan until 30 June and his future after that is uncertain. "I have spent nine years in Partizan and they have been some of the best in my professional life," he said. "I don't know what my final decision will be, I need to think about it. Maybe I will stay because I have a wish to do something in qualifications for the UEFA Champions League. We will see…"

'We are champions'
Sasa Ilic, the club captain, said: "In the last two years we saw how FK Crvena Zvezda have taken over the titles and we were very disappointed. But, now we are champions and celebrate this success. Partizan have the best team, best players and the best coach, this is the reason we are top."

Summer spending
Partizan's director, Nenad Bjekovic, announced that Partizan will be stronger next season. "We plan to sign a few players ahead of the Champions League. It is too early to name names we just want to celebrate," he said.

Mijatovic return?
Predrag Mijatovic, who plays in Italy with AC Fiorentina, has been linked to a possible return to his former club. "It is possible that I will return to Partizan," he said. "They are my club, I spent beautiful days in Belgrade, but I have one year more on my contract with Fiorentina. I have a wish and also a plan, but people from Partizan must talk with Fiorentina. I'm not a player for Serie B [Fiorentina were relegated this season].