The Assembly approved the federation's 2027 financial plan, which projects revenues of €61,180,500 and expenditure of €53,037,200. The planned difference between revenue and expenditure amounts to €8,143,300, providing a substantial projected surplus as HNS prepares for another demanding year of international competitions and development activities.
Beyond financial matters, Kustić used the occasion to reflect on Croatia's international reputation, acknowledge the contribution of former national team coach Zlatko Dalić and reaffirm confidence in his successor, Slaven Bilić. The president emphasised that participation in major tournaments remains central to the federation's sporting strategy, with qualification for the 2028 European Championship identified as the immediate priority.
Kustić Backs Bilić and Sets Euro 2028 Target
One of the central messages from the General Assembly concerned the direction of Croatia's senior national team under Slaven Bilić. Kustić confirmed that the federation remains fully committed to the coach, who returned to the national team position following the conclusion of Zlatko Dalić's successful tenure.
The HNS president praised Dalić's contribution to Croatian football, highlighting the achievements that strengthened the country's position among the world's most competitive national teams. During his nine years in charge, Dalić established a remarkable international record, including major tournament successes that helped Croatian football maintain its reputation far beyond the country's population and resources.
Kustić also expressed confidence in the decision to appoint Bilić. He explained that the federation's leadership had agreed on the former Croatia international as the preferred successor, believing his experience, ambition and understanding of the national team made him a suitable choice for the next phase.
The president pointed towards the team's performance in Split as evidence of the players' commitment to their new coach. He also welcomed Bilić's willingness to establish ambitious objectives despite the significant expectations surrounding the position.
Qualification for UEFA Euro 2028 is now the next major target. The tournament will be hosted by England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland, and Croatia will aim to maintain its tradition of competing at major international championships.
Kustić's comments also highlighted the importance of stability within the national team. While individual results remain significant, the federation wants to establish continuity through a coaching structure capable of developing players, maintaining competitive standards and preparing the next generation of internationals.
€61.18 Million Financial Plan Approved for 2027
The Assembly's most significant administrative decision was the approval of the financial plan for 2027, prepared by the federation's finance and accounting department.
The projected figures indicate that HNS expects to operate with a substantial positive balance while continuing to fund its international and domestic activities. The proposed surplus of more than €8 million represents the difference between planned revenue and expenditure rather than an already achieved financial result.
HNS Financial Plan for 2027
The plan follows another substantial budget adopted for 2026, when the federation projected approximately €62.59 million in revenue and €54.20 million in expenditure. Compared with that earlier financial plan, the 2027 projections show slightly lower revenue and spending while maintaining a similar expected surplus.
The newly approved figures provide an indication of the scale of the federation's operations. HNS is responsible for overseeing a wide range of activities, from senior national teams and youth development to domestic competition administration and relationships with international football authorities.
However, the official Assembly summary does not provide a detailed breakdown of how the 2027 budget will be allocated to individual programmes. It would therefore be premature to attribute particular amounts to youth football, infrastructure or national team preparations without additional financial documentation.
Alongside the financial plan, Assembly members formally approved the federation's work programme for 2027, establishing the organisational framework for the coming year.
Youth Development and Infrastructure Remain Key Priorities
Kustić also highlighted the achievements of Croatia's youth national teams, describing their international progress as evidence of the work taking place throughout the country's football development system. He noted that, according to the federation's assessment, Croatia and Spain were the only two countries whose national teams had reached every major tournament in the relevant international cycle.
The president credited national youth coaches Ivica Olić, Goran Oreščanin and Marijan Budimir, alongside technical director Stipe Pletikosa and chief instructor Petar Krpan. He also stressed the contribution of domestic clubs and regional football associations, recognising that national team success depends on the work taking place long before players reach senior international level.
Infrastructure was another important subject. Kustić expressed satisfaction with progress on the Croatian Football Federation's new national training centre, suggesting that the facility could open in June 2027 if construction continues according to plan.
The project is intended to provide improved preparation and training conditions for national teams and support the development of future generations. Kustić also welcomed investment in Zagreb's football infrastructure, including the planned new Maksimir Stadium and progress at Kranjčevićeva, while expressing hope for further stadium improvements in Split.
Those statements reflect the federation's belief that long-term sporting success requires investment beyond national team coaching. Modern training facilities, better playing conditions and opportunities for younger athletes are increasingly important for maintaining Croatia's competitive position internationally.
FIFA and UEFA Praise Croatian Football
The meeting attracted representatives from football's two most influential international organisations. UEFA was represented by Denis Bastari, head of national association development, while FIFA's delegation included Vasco Stock De Cunha, regional coordinator for European national associations.
Bastari praised Croatia's international performances and the federation's wider development work, highlighting the country's ability to produce players for leading European clubs despite its relatively small population.
He also welcomed progress on the new national training centre, noting that the project had received support through UEFA's HatTrick programme. According to Bastari, the facility should benefit not only the senior national team but also youth players and the wider Croatian football development system.
The UEFA representative additionally highlighted Croatia's preparations to host the 2027 UEFA Women's Futsal European Championship in Osijek, describing the tournament as an opportunity to strengthen the visibility and development of women's futsal.
FIFA representative Stock De Cunha congratulated Croatia on the qualification of its Under-17 national team for the FIFA World Cup and recognised the encouraging start made by the men's futsal team in World Cup qualification.
He also praised the federation's cooperation with FIFA on amateur football development and its strategy for encouraging greater participation among girls. FIFA's Forward programme was identified as an important source of support for development initiatives, including youth football projects and the Vlatko Marković international tournament.
The international representatives' comments reflected the value of cooperation between HNS, FIFA and UEFA. Such partnerships provide access to development programmes, technical expertise and funding opportunities, although the long-term effectiveness of individual projects will depend on their implementation and measurable outcomes.
Assembly Approves 2027 Programme and Recognises Employees
The General Assembly also completed several formal administrative procedures. Miroslav Novinščak, chairman of the verification commission, reported that 61 delegates were present, with 14 absent.
Following verification, members approved the agenda, the minutes of the previous session and the federation's programme of work for 2027. The adoption of the financial plan established the principal financial framework for the year ahead.
Among the invited guests were honorary HNS presidents Branko Mikša and Mladen Vedriš, Croatian Olympic Committee president Josip Varvodić, technical director Stipe Pletikosa and chief instructor Petar Krpan. The federation's senior advisers Zorislav Srebrić and Stjepan Merkaš also attended.
Beyond the formal decisions, the Assembly included a farewell to two longtime federation employees, Ružica Bajrić and Milka Močilac, who are retiring after many years of service.
Bajrić, who played an important role in the federation's financial and accounting operations, thanked colleagues, former presidents, general secretaries and members of the Executive Committee for their support throughout her career.
HNS also presented service recognitions to employees marking 10, 20 and 30 years with the organisation, acknowledging the administrative and professional contributions that support the federation's activities.
Croatian Football Looks Towards 2027
The Assembly brought together sporting ambition and administrative planning at a significant moment for Croatian football. With a substantial budget approved, a new training centre nearing completion and preparations continuing for major international competitions, HNS has outlined priorities extending beyond the senior men's national team.
For Kustić, the immediate sporting objective is clear: Croatia must continue competing at major tournaments, beginning with qualification for UEFA Euro 2028 under Slaven Bilić. At the same time, the federation aims to build on its youth development achievements, strengthen facilities and support the wider football community.
The projected financial surplus provides a potentially useful foundation for those ambitions, although achieving the budget targets will depend on actual income, expenditure and financial management throughout 2027.
The training centre will be another important test. Its anticipated completion could give Croatia improved facilities for national team preparation and player development, but the opening remains dependent on construction progressing according to schedule.
The Croatian Football Federation's latest General Assembly demonstrated a combination of financial planning, sporting ambition and confidence in the country's footballing future. With more than €61 million in projected revenue, strong support for Slaven Bilić and continued investment in youth development and infrastructure, HNS has established its priorities for 2027. The challenge now will be turning those plans into measurable progress while maintaining Croatia's position among Europe's most competitive football nations.
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