NK Osijek rallies behind Mario Mihić after dismissal threat

NK Osijek is in the spotlight after club president threatened to fire long-serving press officer Mario Mihić. The Croatian Sports Journalists’ Association (HZSN) swiftly condemned the move as unfounded and absurd. Mihić, a club icon and trusted figure, received public backing from around 300 fans who gathered outside Opus Arena on Wednesday evening. NK Osijek currently sit 3rd in the HNL with zero points and zero goals scored this season.

What happened to Mario Mihić?

Mario Mihić — known simply as Miha — has worn the NK Osijek colours for two decades, not just as press officer but as journalist, club spirit and steady presence. HZSN highlighted that Mihić received a special press-service award in 2022, alongside numerous honours in the city of Osijek and Osječko-baranjska County. Club management accused him of allegedly acting against the club’s interests, a claim HZSN called completely baseless. “That’s as absurd as the sea without salt,” HZSN president Jura Ozmec wrote in the statement.

Why HZSN’s backing matters

HZSN isn’t only speaking up for Mihić; it’s defending professional standards in Croatian sports journalism. Ozmec stressed that private clubs can choose their collaborators, but they can’t dictate who is competent or worthy. Mihić has become a symbol of trust and love for NK Osijek — a name that comes to mind alongside Davor Šuker and Nenad Bjelica. That’s why fan and professional support arrived at exactly the right moment.

What’s next for NK Osijek and Mihić?

While Mihić’s future remains uncertain, public reaction and HZSN’s stance are putting pressure on the Osijek board. Fans rallied in his support, giving him a public platform to defend his work. NK Osijek must now carefully weigh its next steps, especially with their next fixture against HNK Rijeka on 5 September 2026. Sitting 3rd in the HNL with zero points and zero goals, the question of stability in the boardroom and press office has become even more pressing.