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Yugoslavia on the road


Yugoslavia - no other country has such a prominent history when it comes to the migration of footballers within Europe.

As early as 1926/27 cooperation agreements for the improvement of political relations allowed Yugoslavian players to take the field in France. After the break with the Stalinist Soviet Union the government felt compelled to go down new diplomatic and economic avenues.

Between 1949 and 1957 Yugoslavia's national team and clubs exploited the lack of friendly matches against socialist countries to tour Western Europe. A silver medal finish at the Olympic football tournament in 1948 and four appearances at the World Cup finals between 1950 and 1962 made them sought-after opponents. The attempt at a 'third way' found increasing reflection in football, as in the rapprochement with non-socialist states that was welcomed by the 'West'. This included the cautious opening of the borders for distinguished scientists, artists and, of course, footballers.

Later specialist workers were even encouraged to move abroad and send money to their families. Migration in football became systematic from 1961, initially mainly for coaches and later for players aged 28 and over. Yugoslavia caused a stir by finishing runners-up at the European Championships of 1960 and 1968, thus increasing the European demand for players and coaches.

This, coupled with the ability to emigrate of workers from Yugoslavia, coincided with the initial years of the Bundesliga. Numerous Yugoslavian coaches were thus able to leave an impressive mark on this competition. Ninety-nine Yugoslavians played in the Bundesliga until the division of their country.

As many were successful in the West, demand for their services was high. Yugoslavian clubs, in particular Hajduk Split, perfected their youth work and became role models for football academies in the Netherlands, for example. Good youth work was the guarantee of good money from the West - an important factor for the survival of the clubs and of benefit to the national economy.