Nijaz Merdanović

Nijaz Merdanović (born 15 January 1957) is a Bosnian retired professional footballer and current marketing director of the Football Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Nijaz Merdanović
33rd President of the Assembly of FK Sarajevo
In office 2005 – June 2010
Preceded by	Hajrudin Šuman
Succeeded by	Zijad Blekić
Personal details
Born	15 January 1957 Kakanj, SR Bosnia and Herzegovina, SFR Yugoslavia
Nationality	Bosnian
Residence	Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Association football career Full name Nijaz Merdanović Position(s) Winger Senior career* Years Team Apps (Gls) 1973–1982 Sarajevo 301 (42) Total 301 (42) * Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

Playing career

At the time considered one of Yugoslavia's biggest footballing talents, Merdanić debuted for Sarajevo at the age of 16, becoming the youngest player in the history of the club to appear in a senior league game.[1] A chronic knee injury that resulted in three separate operations would end his playing career at the age of only 27.[1]

Administrative career

After retiring from football, Merdanić was named as Sarajevo's General Secretary, and would eventually go on to become the 33rd President of the club Assembly, staying on that position from September 2005 until June 2010.[2] He is the current marketing director of the Football Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina.[3]

Personal life

Nijaz's younger brother Senad also played for Sarajevo.

References

1. "Nijaz Merdanović u "As exkluzivu" sa Muhamedom Bikićem" (in Bosnian). Avaz.ba. Retrieved 12 August 2014.
2. "Od septembra FK Sarajevo sa Sportskim direktorom i Stručnim kolegijem" (in Bosnian). Klix.ba. Retrieved 12 August 2014.
3. "Nijaz Merdanović: U Brazil moramo dopremiti veliki kontigent opreme" (in Bosnian). Oslobodjenje.ba. Retrieved 12 August 2014.