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SportsEx-Man Utd midfielder Matic files criminal complaint over mafia threats
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Former Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic has filed a criminal complaint in Serbia for 'endangering safety' after threats were made against him in 2020. According to the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), former Serbian Football Association president Slavisa Kokeza used the encrypted app Sky ECC to discuss hiring mafia figures to assault Matic, Danko Lazovic, and Nemanja Vidic. The players had publicly criticized Kokeza's leadership. Matic confirmed the complaint to OCCRP's Serbian partner KRIK but declined further comment. Kokeza reportedly said in 2020 that he needed to 'eliminate' the three players and believed physical threats would be effective, noting that while Matic and Vidic lived abroad, they cared about their families. Matic, now playing for Serie A club Sassuolo, played 189 times for Manchester United between 2017 and 2022.
Source report
Former Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic has reportedly filed a criminal complaint following threats made against him in 2020, according to the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP).
Background
The 37-year-old Serbian international was among several high-profile players targeted by Slavisa Kokeza, the former President of the Serbian Football Association. According to OCCRP, Kokeza used the encrypted messaging app Sky ECC to discuss hiring mafia figures to assault a group of prominent Serbian players.
Targeted Players
The alleged plot targeted the following individuals, all of whom had publicly criticised Kokeza's leadership:
- Nemanja Matic – Former Manchester United midfielder
- Danko Lazovic – Serbian professional footballer
- Nemanja Vidic – Manchester United legend and former Serbia captain
Key Details
OCCRP's Serbian partner KRIK reported that Matic confirmed filing a complaint for "endangering safety" at a police station in Ub, Serbia. However, Matic declined to provide further comment on the case.
In leaked communications from 2020, Kokeza reportedly told an interlocutor:
"Right now I realistically need the most help to eliminate Vidic, Lazovic, and Matic."
According to OCCRP, Kokeza believed physical threats would be effective against players living abroad. While acknowledging that Matic and Vidic did not reside in Serbia at the time, Kokeza wrote that "they aren't indifferent about their families either."
Broader Implications
The case has sparked significant controversy within Serbian football, raising serious questions about the Serbian Football Association and the conduct of its former president.
Matic's Career
- Played 189 times for Manchester United between 2017 and 2022
- Scored four goals during his five-year stint at Old Trafford
- Currently plays for Sassuolo in Serie A (Italy)
- Made 34 appearances for the club during the 2025/26 season
Conclusion
The alleged threats against Matic, Lazovic, and Vidic require thorough investigation. The criminal complaint filed by Matic is expected to help ensure that justice is served.
This article first appeared on centredevils and was syndicated with permission.
Source
Yardbarker: SoccerWestern
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Nemanja Matic files criminal complaint over mafia threats