Croatian Football Model Showcased at FIFA Workshop in Rabat

Jordan Hartwell

ago 2 hours

Croatian Football Model Showcased at FIFA Workshop in Rabat

In January 2026, Croatian football expertise was highlighted at a FIFA workshop held in Rabat, Morocco. This workshop coincided with the African Cup of Nations final and was a collaboration between FIFA and the African Football Confederation (CAF).

Croatian Football Model at FIFA Workshop

The event brought together representatives from both European and African football associations. Among the European participants were Croatia, Switzerland, Iceland, Turkey, and Poland. Key African associations included Morocco, Ivory Coast, Madagascar, Cape Verde, and Chad.

Key Croatian Representatives

The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) was represented by:

Stipe Pletikosa – Technical Director for the Croatia senior and U-21 national teams
Petar Krpan – HNS Head Instructor

Presentations and Discussions

Pletikosa delivered a presentation on the Croatian football model, showcasing the structure and initiatives of the Croatian Football Federation. The discussion focused on:

Player selection processes
Development pathways across Croatian clubs

Pletikosa expressed gratitude for the chance to exchange insights with other national associations. He emphasized the global recognition of Croatia’s long-term development work, stating it serves as a source of pride for the country.

International Recognition

During his remarks, Pletikosa noted that while Croatia’s achievements at World Cups are noteworthy, the respect for the country’s developmental strategies is equally important. He mentioned that many colleagues from other federations view Croatia as a role model.

Notable Attendees

The workshop also featured FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who received the book “Hrvatska škola nogometa” (The Croatian Football School). This publication was collaborated on by renowned Croatian clubs such as: