Date: 4/9/2015
The Serbian Rugby League Federation has issued the following statement after an incident which saw the abandonment of last Saturday’s match with Ireland at Makiš stadium in Belgrade.
“The Serbian Rugby League Federation deeply regrets what happened and the SRLF Board have held several urgent meetings assessing the situation since. The main outcome is that SRLF has accepted the immediate resignation of national team coach Marko Janković, who is also suspended indefinitely from all positions pending a disciplinary procedure from the RLEF. He is also obligated to pay a €1000 fine that will be used for youth development, promoting fair play and also towards a programme against violence in sport.
Furthermore, SRLF wants to distance itself in all possible ways from an individual act which is contrary the true spirit of rugby league. We are committed to taking all measures to prevent similar behaviour of individuals in the future. We are determined to promote the values of the sport: fair play, sportsmanship, hard work and respect.
SRLF reassures the rugby league public that this was an isolated incident. Even though this situation is a heavy blow to our organization, we have an obligation to turn our attention to the upcoming crucial European Championship B game against Ukraine.”
