Šuker becomes HNS president

Davor Šuker has been elected as the new president of the Croatian Football Federation (HNS).

The former international striker, who helped Croatia to third place at the 1998 FIFA World Cup, takes over from Vlatko Marković, who has stepped down after 14 years at the helm. Šuker also enjoyed a distinguished club career with, among others, Real Madrid CF, where he won the UEFA Champions League in 1998.

"Thank you for your trust. I am proud that I united Croatian football," said Šuker. "I am happy that Vlatko Marković was my coach and president, and I hope I will reach his level," added the top scorer at that World Cup in France. Šuker played 69 times for Croatia, scoring 45 goals, and was chosen as the nation's Golden Player for the UEFA Jubilee in 2004.

Mr Marković becomes the HNS honorary president. He was chairman of the UEFA technical development committee from 2004 to 2007, and a member of the same committee between 1996 and 2004. He has also served as first vice-chairman of the UEFA football committee (2007–09) and the development and technical assistance committee (2009–11), and is currently a co-opted member of the latter.