Zvezdara given time to reconsider

The Yugoslav Football Association (FSJ) announced on Monday that it is to give FK Zvezdara three days to reconsider their decision to withdraw from the Yugoslavian first division.

'Maximum help'
Financial difficulties are behind the club’s decision but the FSJ and the Association of Top Division Clubs have offered "maximum help" if the team attempts to overcome its current problems. If, however, Zvezdara pull out of the 1st Liga in mid-season, the club will be relegated to the second division and will start next season with minus-nine points. If Zvezdara continue in the competition now and withdraw later in the season, the club will be relegated to the lowest - the fifth league.

Players not for sale
In an attempt to help the club, which owes its staff €140,000, the FSJ have insisted that all Zvezdara players will remain with the team at least until the summer. All other first division clubs will be unable to sign any Zvezdara players until the end of the season.

'Realistic decisions'
"I think we have been realistic in taking these decisions. We did not ask something impossible from the club. All structures of Yugoslavian football are ready to help," Miodrag Jokanovic, the president of the Association of Top Division Clubs, said.