Coaches trying to sneak their sons on to an all-star team at the last minute could learn a thing or two from the sad story of Dusan Petkovic.
The son of Serbia & Montenegro coach Ilija Petkovic left the team's World Cup camp after his inclusion triggered widespread criticism in the local media. Dusan Petkovic, a player with many years of international experience, was called in to replace the injured Mirko Vucinic, but the move was immediately panned by Serb reporters as an act of nepotism. Petkovic's father pulled him out of the team ôto put an end to the ordeal,ö according to spokesperson Aleksandar Boskovic.
Serbia & Montenegro may not be able to replace Petkovic. Replacements after the May 15 roster deadline and before the start of the tournament are only for injured players.