The Football Association of Serbia (FSS) responded to statements made by Sebastijan Kerkez, father of footballer Miloš Kerkez, who claimed alleged disinterest of the FSS towards his son. The FSS stated that it had repeatedly tried to convince Miloš to commit to the Serbian national team, emphasizing that contacts with the family were frequent and conducted with respect and a desire to support the young player. The director of youth categories, Nikola Lazetić, highlighted that conversations with the father lasted hours and that the association showed great desire for Miloš to wear the Serbian jersey. However, the Kerkez family had different plans, deciding that Miloš would play for Hungary, which the FSS respected. The association expressed regret over attempts to undermine its credibility and stressed that it will always work in the interest of young players and the Serbian national team.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning outlets tend to emphasize the supportive and respectful approach of the Football Association of Serbia towards young players, highlighting the efforts made to keep Miloš Kerkez in the Serbian national team and criticizing the family’s decision to choose Hungary as a loss for Serbian football.
Center: Centrist sources report the facts of the dispute neutrally, presenting both the Football Association’s attempts to engage Miloš Kerkez and the family’s decision to represent Hungary, focusing on the professionalism of the FSS and the personal choice of the player and his family.
Right: Right-leaning media often stress patriotism and loyalty to Serbia, portraying the Football Association’s efforts as sincere and framing the family’s choice to play for Hungary as a betrayal or a pragmatic but regrettable decision, sometimes criticizing the family for prioritizing convenience over national pride.
