Croatian ex-international Simic charged in graft case

Former Croatian footballer Dario Simic has been charged with alleged corruption in connection to a coastal campsite development project, according to national anti-graft prosecutors. The 50-year-old player is among three individuals accused of abusing their office and authority, as well as inciting others to commit such abuse. Local authorities in Tisno, near Sibenik, filed complaints against Simic in 2024 over the construction of a private campsite with 10 pitches within a protected coastal zone.

If found guilty, Simic could face up to five years in prison. The allegations arose after Simic was briefly detained in Zagreb in July, with his lawyer claiming the charges were unfounded. Simic, who retired from international football in 2008, began his career at Dinamo Zagreb and went on to play for Inter Milan, AC Milan, and Monaco before retiring shortly after. He has since established a successful bottled water company.