Well-known former Ukrainian footballer and coach Jozsef Szabo has faced an unexpected boycott from the mass media of neighboring Hungary. According to the specialist, Hungarian journalists who previously regularly contacted him for expert assessments, comments, and predictions on sports matches have completely stopped all communication.
Reasons for the media boycott
The situation in the media field changed dramatically after Jozsef Szabo openly and harshly spoke out against the political leadership of Hungary. The coach did not hide his negative attitude towards the country's Prime Minister Viktor Orban, which provoked an immediate reaction from foreign journalists. As the veteran of Ukrainian sports noted himself, after his critical statements, phone calls from Budapest stopped once and for all.Assessment of political changes
Furthermore, in his interview, Jozsef Szabo touched upon the topic of general changes in the political arena of Hungary, commenting, among other things, on the position of Peter Magyar. According to the experienced coach, a simple change of political figures at the top of power is not able to radically reverse the internal and external vector of the state. Szabo expressed skepticism, noting that new opposition leaders also demonstrate hidden or overt sympathy for the Russian leadership.
Reaction of the sports community
Such statements by the Ukrainian specialist once again emphasize the close connection between modern big-time sport and big geopolitics. Jozsef Szabo, who holds authority in football circles, is not afraid to openly express his civic position, despite inevitable reputational costs and the loss of contacts with foreign media colleagues.
