FSSCG disbands in Belgrade

The Football Association of Serbia and Montenegro (FSSCG) has voted to dissolve at a meeting in Belgrade as the nation prepares to be divided into two.

Unanimous decision

Yugoslavian successor
The FSSCG was the successor of the Football Association of Yugoslavia which was founded on 19 April 1919. Its dissolution marks the end of any connection with the days of Yugoslavia, with all of the independent former Yugoslav republics now having their own national assoctiations.

Good relationships
"I am glad because we finished everything like the professionals," said the FSSCG's final president Tomislav Karadžić. "We have had successes and also some disappointments. Maybe we could have done better at the FIFA World Cup in Germany. I wish all the best for both sides and for happiness in the future. We will maintain our close and good relationships."

New presidents
Former OFK Beograd midfielder and director Zvezdan Teržić has been named as the first president of the new Football Association of Serbia while the new president of the Football Association of Montenegro is Dejan Savićević, who previously played in midfield for FK Budućnost Podgorica, FK Crvena Zvezda, AC Milan, SK Rapid Wien. Both have been given a mandate until 2009.

UEFA delegation
A delegation from UEFA attended the assembly including UEFA vice-president Per-Ravn Omdal, head of sports legal services and club licensing Marcel Benz and national associations director Jakob Erel. They will travel to the Montenegrin capital, Podgorica, tomorrow to discuss issues relating to the newly formed national association before reporting to UEFA's Executive Committee on the matters arising in Berlin on 11 July.

'Ready to help'
"We are delighted because we saw friendly and high professional standard in the work," said Omdal. "Serbo-Montenegrin football gave so many brilliant players and results to European and World football and I believe that both nations will have success in the future. If either side need help - especially Montenegro - on their route into the European football family, they can count on UEFA - we are ready to help."