Rade Bogdanovic, 56, a former Serbian footballer, apologised on June 22 for making racist remarks during a live broadcast of the Belgium vs Iran World Cup match on June 21, 2026 [1, 2, 3]. He claimed Black players "lack the concentration to last more than 60 to 80 minutes" in a commentary segment on Serbian public broadcaster RTS [3]. Bogdanovic said, "I sincerely apologise for my statement regarding Black football players" as part of his public apology [1].
Bogdanovic played for Atlético Madrid and won the German Cup with Werder Bremen during his career [1, 2, 3]. He was serving as an expert commentator for RTS during the World Cup but is not an employee of the broadcaster, RTS clarified in their official apology issued June 22 [1, 2]. The RTS board said, "We would like to take this opportunity to apologise, as a broadcaster, for the statement made in our programme concerning members of a particular race" [1].
However, reports differ on RTS’s initial response. Some sources say RTS did not apologise immediately and kept Bogdanovic as an analyst for the next day’s Argentina vs Austria match aired on June 22 [3]. The broadcaster’s official apology and clarification came on the same day as Bogdanovic’s public statement [1, 2].
Belgium and Iran played to a 0-0 draw in their Group G World Cup match held in Los Angeles on June 21 [1, 2, 3]. The Royal Belgian Football Association did not respond to requests for comment on Bogdanovic’s remarks [1, 2].
RTS continued featuring Bogdanovic as a commentator for the Argentina vs Austria game despite the controversy around his comments [3]. The situation remains under scrutiny as the tournament progresses.
