Representatives from the Croatian Football Federation showcased their football development model during a FIFA Workshop in Rabat, Morocco. The event was a collaborative effort between FIFA and the African Football Confederation (CAF). It took place immediately after the African Cup of Nations final, emphasizing its significance in the global football community.
Participation and Representation
The workshop included participants from various European and African football associations. Notable European countries represented were:
- Croatia
- Switzerland
- Iceland
- Turkey
- Poland
From Africa, associations included:
- Morocco
- Ivory Coast
- Madagascar
- Cape Verde
- Chad
Stipe Pletikosa, the Technical Director of Croatia’s senior and U-21 national teams, and Petar Krpan, HNS Head Instructor, represented Croatia at the workshop.
Focus on the Croatian Football Model
Pletikosa delivered a presentation detailing the structure and functioning of the Croatian Football Federation. His presentation focused on:
- The player selection process
- Development pathways within Croatian clubs
- Strategies for national team development
The insights shared were meant to demonstrate how Croatia approaches football development, showcasing their success on the international stage.
Reflections on the Workshop
Pletikosa expressed pride in the recognition Croatia receives in the global football arena. He stated, “This workshop allowed us to share experiences with other federations and understand how they tackle various challenges.”
He noted the dual significance of Croatia’s international accolades and the appreciation for their long-term developmental strategies. “Many see us as a role model and want to learn as much as possible from our system,” he added.
Notable Attendees
FIFA President Gianni Infantino attended the workshop, underscoring its importance. He received the book Hrvatska škola nogometa (The Croatian Football School), edited by Petar Krpan and Ivan Krakan. This publication received contributions from prominent Croatian clubs, including:
- Dinamo Zagreb
- Hajduk Split
- Rijeka
- Osijek
These clubs are recognized as pivotal in maintaining the quality of Croatian football.
