Bosnia decision to play Russia friendly sparks backlash
Criticism at home
11 September, 00:45"Sarajevo, as the city that was under siege by the aggressor for the longest time, and me, as the mayor, strongly condemn the decision of the football federation to play a friendly with Russia," Karic said on Facebook. Sarajevo was besieged by Serb forces during a brutal war in the 1990s. Karic said the move was "discrediting" Bosnia. Following the invasion of Ukraine, Russia's national team and clubs were suspended from all FIFA and UEFA competitions until further notice, including the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Bosnia midfielder Miralem Pjanic, who previously played for Juventus and Barcelona, said it was "not a good decision". "When the national team starts playing well, something always goes wrong. I am speechless. The NSBiH knows my position," Pjanic told website sportske.ba. (ANSA-AFP).