Overview
- Rade Bogdanović, a former professional footballer, said during RTS coverage that "black players don't have the concentration to last more than 60 to 80 minutes," a remark aired after Belgium's match with Iran on Sunday.
- The programme host challenged Bogdanović on air and he doubled down, telling viewers he believed "the majority lack concentration," which provoked widespread condemnation on social media and in news reports.
- RTS issued an apology for the statement and clarified Bogdanović was engaged as an external "expert commentator," and Bogdanović later issued a personal apology to Reuters.
- Despite the backlash and apologies, Bogdanović appeared again in the RTS studio for later World Cup coverage, and there were no confirmed reports of formal disciplinary action at the time of reporting.
- The incident followed Nathan Ngoy's 66th-minute red card in Belgium's 0-0 draw with Iran and has focused attention on how broadcasters set standards for on-air conduct and vet guest commentators.