Mateo Kovacic Spotted with UEFA President as Manchester City Await Charges Verdict

City midfielder Mateo Kovacic was recently photographed alongside UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin, tennis icon Novak Djokovic, and AC Milan’s Luka Modric during a vacation in Croatia, as the Premier League champions continue to await the outcome of an ongoing investigation into 115 alleged financial breaches.

Kovacic, currently recovering from Achilles surgery, was granted leave following a long 2024/25 campaign that ended with City’s Round of 16 exit in the Club World Cup. The 31-year-old was an integral part of Pep Guardiola’s plans in Rodri’s absence, though he did receive criticism following a key error in the UEFA Champions League loss to Real Madrid.

The Croatian midfielder, who joined Manchester City from Chelsea in 2023, enjoyed a productive season with seven goals in 42 appearances across all competitions. He is expected to remain at the Etihad Stadium this summer as City undergo a major squad rebuild under new director Hugo Viana, following the confirmed exits of Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker, and Scott Carson.

City’s first-team are due to resume training on July 28 ahead of their opening Premier League fixture at Wolves on August 16. Kovacic’s involvement remains uncertain, as the club continues to monitor his recovery progress.

While the photo with Čeferin and Modric may be nothing more than a social gathering among fellow Croatians, it comes at a time when Manchester City’s relationship with UEFA and the Premier League remains under intense scrutiny due to the unresolved financial charges.

FAQ

• Why was Mateo Kovacic with UEFA President Čeferin? The two were photographed together in Croatia during Kovacic’s holiday. No official meeting was confirmed.
• Is Kovacic staying at Manchester City? Yes, the player is expected to continue with City into the 2025/26 season.
• What is his injury status? He is recovering from recent Achilles surgery and remains a doubt for the opening Premier League fixture.
• What’s the update on City’s charges? The club still awaits a final verdict regarding the 115 charges from the Premier League.

Conclusion

As City prepare for the upcoming campaign and continue their off-field battle with Premier League regulators, Kovacic’s high-profile holiday company provides an unexpected yet timely backdrop to the ongoing headlines surrounding the club.