The Hungarian authorities have responded harshly and unequivocally to the high-profile situation surrounding national football team defender Milos Kerkez. The player found himself at the center of a scandal after his data was added to the Ukrainian website Myrotvorets database. This incident caused a wide resonance in European sports and political circles, prompting official Budapest to activate diplomatic channels.
Anita Orbán, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Hungary, made an official statement regarding the matter. The head of the foreign policy department emphasized that the Hungarian government categorically rejects public condemnation of individuals, their inclusion in such lists, and any potential threats against Hungarian citizens, specifically Milos Kerkez.
Diplomatic efforts and resource status
According to the minister, over recent days she has been in constant contact with the Ukrainian side, the Hungarian Football Federation, diplomats, and foreign colleagues. The goal of these intensive consultations was to facilitate a resolution of the situation and prevent escalation against the background of sports events.
Separately, Anita Orbán emphasized the legal status of the resource itself. She reminded that the Myrotvorets website is not an official state authority of Ukraine. Furthermore, according to her, there is no clear and verified information about who actually manages this internet portal.
Calls to keep football out of politics
Concluding her address, the Hungarian Foreign Minister expressed sincere gratitude to both football federations for their cooperation and called for keeping football a space of sports competition, unity, and mutual respect.
"Football must remain a space for the struggle for results, unity, and mutual respect. Thank you to both football federations for their interaction. Forward, Hungarians! Forward, national team!" Orbán summarized, emphasizing the state's continued support for the team.
