Montenegro sack manager after he boycotts Kosovo game

The Montenegrin FA have confirmed that manager Ljubisa Tumbakovic has been relieved of his duties as national team boss after he failed to lead his side out against Kosovo during Friday’s Euro 2020 qualifier.  

Two of Montenegro’s Serbian-born players, Filip Stojkovic and Mirko Ivanic had also pulled out of the Euro 2020 match in Podgorica.

Montenegro's football federation (FSCG) said the two players, who play in Serbia for club side Red Star Belgrade, had come under “pressure from certain circles”.

The 66-year-old’s decision to boycott the match was “an unpleasant surprise”, the FSCG said in a statement.

"Things which have nothing to do with sports have defeated sports and football on this occasion.

"The executive board made a unanimous decision to relieve Tumbakovic of his duties after he decided not to be in charge of the national team for the match,” the federation said in a statement.

"Apart from being an unpleasant surprise, Tumbakovic's move also constitutes a breach of his professional duties stipulated by his contract."

The game ended in a 1-1 draw with Stefan Mugosa equalising during the second period half for the Montenegrins.  

The game was played behind closed doors as punishment for racist chanting aimed at England players during a match in March in Podgorica.

Montenegro lie bottom of Group A, with Gareth Southgate’s England topping the table after just two games.



Montenegro currently lie 63rd in the FIFA rankings.