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 byHajrudin Šuman
Succeeded byZijad Blekić
Personal details
Born (1957-01-15) 15 January 1957 (age 67)
Kakanj, SR Bosnia and Herzegovina, SFR Yugoslavia
NationalityBosnian
Residence(s)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)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Playing career

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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

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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

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Nijaz's younger brother Senad also played for Sarajevo.

References

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  1. ^ a b "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.