There is an increased risk that the Slovak national team may fail to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the March matches.
The Ministry of Tourism and Sport may, based on further serious findings — potentially including legal implications — proceed to restrict or withhold financial resources allocated to the SFZ.
In the second quarter of 2026, the Slovak Football Association may face significant financial instability, and in a worst-case scenario, the risk of serious economic difficulties under the current leadership.
It cannot be ruled out that changes at the highest level of SFZ leadership may occur during the second quarter of 2026.
In the third quarter of 2026, further actions by law enforcement authorities in relation to the association’s leadership cannot be excluded, should the publicized allegations be confirmed.
As a candidate, I received 0 votes, which I accept as proof that I entered the system without backstage agreements or obligations. Candidate Peter Palenčík received 29 votes — 15 short of victory — despite preliminary estimates suggesting significantly stronger support.
The current leadership may have won the present election; however, the long-term outcome will depend on its ability to stabilize the system and restore trust within the football community.
I am prepared for potential extraordinary presidential elections of the SFZ and will personally present a concrete reform program for Slovak football to each delegate.
I will decide on any further candidacy depending on the composition of future candidates. I do not exclude supporting a strong personality if it proves to be a strategically more advantageous solution for Slovak football.
Signed:
Martin Filipkov
“I watched your matches. This is fear. You play not to lose, not to win,” Maradona addressed his new teammates.
Complete shock filled the room. Everyone felt humiliated.
Maradona continued:
“I am not saying you are cowards. I am saying you play like cowards. If this continues, we will all lose. I don’t need you to believe in me. I need you to follow me. Because I do not play to survive. I play to win.”
After Maradona’s second season, the team finished third. After the third, they won the Scudetto — the first in Naples’ history.
“One day, when he first spoke to us, we hated him. But he was absolutely right. We had made peace with mediocrity. And with his audacity, he forced us to believe we could defeat anyone.”
It is a story about mentality.
To change destiny, you do not need someone who comforts you — you need someone who tells the truth, even when it hurts.
