Imagine this: you have a national team ranked fifth in the world and sixth in Europe, but six out of the 12 best players can’t play because American colleges hold them hostage! Yes, you read that right. The Croatian Volleyball Federation has raised its voice against the brutal pressure from the NCAA and American colleges threatening young athletes that they will lose their scholarships if they play for their countries. This isn’t just a Croatian problem – Serbia, Poland, Slovenia, and many other European countries face the same shameless behavior.
Croatia’s federation director, Valentina Bifflin, and president, Frane Žanić, are openly outraged. They say this is classic extortion destroying years of investment by clubs and federations in young talents. Imagine girls who fought hard for their spot on the national team now pressured to choose between national pride and a scholarship that allows them to study and live in the US.
Coaches are powerless. Ivica Radočaj, the coach, says he can’t forbid players from leaving because they are pressured to repay the money invested in them if they stay. Some are already fleeing training camps, while the US national team prepares for the World Championship with a full roster.
This isn’t just volleyball. Basketball faces an even bigger problem. Top talents like the Ivišić brothers and Andrija Jelavić are already in American colleges, and their federations have no control.
The NCAA and American colleges have become a mafia in sports, snatching the best talents from Europe and the world with zero accountability. The proposal? Suspend them from all major competitions for four years! Maybe then they’ll learn they can’t do whatever they want.
If you think this is just sports drama, think again. This is a fight for the future of sports, for the rights of young athletes, and for fair play. What do you think? Is it time to stop this shamelessness or will we watch our talents get stolen right before our eyes? Drop a comment, share your story, or just laugh it off – but don’t stay silent!
