Wherever one stands on the Anel Ahmedhodžić and Bosnia & Herzegovina situation, it’s clear the Sheffield United player and his chosen national team need – at the very least – a lengthy break from one another.
That break may well now be permanent, after the country’s FA said the 25-year-old will not be playing for them again.
Born in Malmo, he represented Sweden at every youth level and even made a senior appearance in a friendly against Moldova. Ahmedhodžić then decided he wanted to represent Bosnia instead.
Since that decision in 2020, there’s been multiple dramas around the Sheffield United player and his national team. He’s previously been accused of simply ignoring at least one call up, and during the last international break he left the camp citing an injury which the doctors there didn’t feel was much to be concerned about.
That saw a war of words, with the player’s own father speaking out against him and creating an even bigger drama.
Clearly sick of it, regardless of who is correct, Ahmedhodžić announced that he’ll be taking a pause from international football.
That pause has now been turned into a full retirement for the Sheffield United player, at least if the Bosnian FA keep to their word.
Emir Spahic, an executive with the national side, is quoted by Aftonbladet as saying: “His actions have no defence and are completely unfounded in reality. By doing so, he has offended everyone in this country. To call him again, whether soon or far in the future, would be a great insult to everyone who loves this country and this national team.”
A further statement reads: ‘Someone who finds himself in the public eye for a second time for similar reasons, namely not responding to a summons without a clear reason or withdrawing for equally unclear reasons, has himself chosen something that is unthinkable for anyone who dreams of a summons to the national team. Therefore, we take this opportunity to make it clear that this is the definitive end of Anel Ahmedhodžić’s national team career. Not just for the near future, but for all future.’
