FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has cleared Domagoj Vida following the emergence of the second video in which the Croatia man made potentially inflammatory political comments.
The 29-year-old together with his assistant coach Ognjen Vukojevic, who has since been sacked, were filmed making comments including “Glory to Ukraine”, a phrase that has been adopted by anti-Russian nationalists after Croatia beat Russia on penalties in the quarter-finals.
The Disciplinary Committee chose not to suspend Vida, warning the centre-back over his conduct following the incident, and the Besiktas defender was able to play in Croatia’s 2-1 semi-final win over England.
A second video was also released of Vida making similar remarks, but FIFA has now determined that it took place prior to their initial investigation.
“After thoroughly analysing the second video of the Croatian player Domagoj Vida that appeared in the media and having considered the player’s submission, the chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee ascertained that it was recorded before the initial sanction imposed on Mr Vida and has concluded that no additional infringement of the FIFA regulations has been committed,” FIFA said in a statement.
Vida is likely to start alongside Dejan Lovren against France on Sunday, as Croatia take part in their first World Cup final.